Cooperation boosts Africa's development

Countries are attempting to write a new chapter of unprecedented progress for the continent

The vast and remarkable changes that have taken place in Djibouti, a small country in northeast Africa with a population of mere 1 million, show the huge benefits that cooperation with China can bring about. An infrastructure boom is underway in the country thanks in part to China's support and investment.

The Djibouti International Free Trade Zone, which began the first phase of construction in July, will be the largest free trade zone in Africa, and the Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port and the affordable housing for thousands of households that is already completed have all received Chinese investment. Being in Djibouti for only three years, China has already made a huge difference and fostered hope among the locals. This is in stark contrast to the Western countries that have had a presence in Djibouti for more than 100 years and left the country as poor and undeveloped as ever, as Ismail Omar Guelleh, president of Djibouti, said during his visit to China last November.