"Mutual Advantages: UN Industrial Growth and the Relationship Between Africa and China"
Here’s a revised version of the article description without altering any of the quotes: Exploring the synergy between UN industrial development initiatives and the growing relationship between Africa and China, this article delves into how both sides can reap mutual benefits. It highlights collaborative efforts, shared goals, and the potential for enhanced economic growth through these international partnerships.
TroibNews 
As the 2024 Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation wraps up, the release of two pivotal documents, the "Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era" and the "FOCAC Beijing Action Plan," mark a transformative chapter in relations between China and Africa. These documents outline comprehensive strategies for accelerated trade, industrialization, and sustainable development efforts. In a conversation with CN’s Enoch Wong, Dr. Stephen Kargbo, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization’s representative to China, offered his perspectives on achieving these ambitious objectives.
With respect to the trade and industrialization aspects of Africa-China relations, Dr. Kargbo, who attended President Xi Jinping’s speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, emphasized how critical trade is as a catalyst for industrialization across Africa. He noted the impressive growth in trade flows between China and Africa, which have now surpassed $280 billion. Dr. Kargbo detailed UNIDO’s strategies to assist African countries in shifting towards exporting value-added products rather than raw materials, which he believes will significantly enhance market access while benefiting both parties through bolstered industrial activity on the continent.
Turning to industrial policy, Dr. Kargbo gleaned lessons from China’s swift development post-1978 reforms, including those that led to the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. He stressed the necessity of cohesive policy-making that integrates various sectors, including energy, education, and infrastructure. Dr. Kargbo encouraged African nations to embrace a harmonized approach to ensure consistent and continuous policy application, cautioning against the instability caused by frequent policy shifts and advocating for gradual, sustained progress.
A significant development discussed during the interview was the inauguration of the China-Africa UNIDO Center of Excellence in Ethiopia. This center, a collaboration among UNIDO, the Chinese government, and African partners, is designed to promote technological advancements across agricultural, energy, and industrial sectors. Dr. Kargbo expressed enthusiasm about the center, viewing it as a starting point for additional centers throughout Africa aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable growth. He highlighted the center as a symbol of the growing partnership aimed at developing mutually beneficial solutions between China and Africa.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
With respect to the trade and industrialization aspects of Africa-China relations, Dr. Kargbo, who attended President Xi Jinping’s speech at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, emphasized how critical trade is as a catalyst for industrialization across Africa. He noted the impressive growth in trade flows between China and Africa, which have now surpassed $280 billion. Dr. Kargbo detailed UNIDO’s strategies to assist African countries in shifting towards exporting value-added products rather than raw materials, which he believes will significantly enhance market access while benefiting both parties through bolstered industrial activity on the continent.
Turning to industrial policy, Dr. Kargbo gleaned lessons from China’s swift development post-1978 reforms, including those that led to the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. He stressed the necessity of cohesive policy-making that integrates various sectors, including energy, education, and infrastructure. Dr. Kargbo encouraged African nations to embrace a harmonized approach to ensure consistent and continuous policy application, cautioning against the instability caused by frequent policy shifts and advocating for gradual, sustained progress.
A significant development discussed during the interview was the inauguration of the China-Africa UNIDO Center of Excellence in Ethiopia. This center, a collaboration among UNIDO, the Chinese government, and African partners, is designed to promote technological advancements across agricultural, energy, and industrial sectors. Dr. Kargbo expressed enthusiasm about the center, viewing it as a starting point for additional centers throughout Africa aimed at driving inclusive and sustainable growth. He highlighted the center as a symbol of the growing partnership aimed at developing mutually beneficial solutions between China and Africa.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
