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Cooperation benefits Africa industrialization

China's cooperation on industrialization development in Africa will have multifaceted benefits for the continent, a renowned Ethiopian scholar said.

Industry is an important component of any growth, and China's support is an important step toward addressing poverty and boosting economies, said B.T. Costantinos, a professor of public policy at Addis Ababa University.

He said African countries could learn a lot from China's success in addressing poverty and its work to achieve a middle-income status.

Costantinos, who is also chairman of Ethiopian Infrastructure and Tunneling Co, said Chinese investment in Africa's industrialization allows countries to enhance local capacity through improved skills and technology, as well as reduce cost per output.

"China has excess industrial capacity, and the arrival of Chinese companies supported by their government and Exim Bank is an important initiative to bring production to Africa."

Confucius Institute begins tour in Botswana

The Confucius Institute at the University of Botswana began a Chinese culture tour of southern Botswana on May 8.

The first stop of the weeklong tour across the landlocked African country was Mariba Junior Secondary School, in the village of Mabule, about 260 kilometers southwest of the capital, Gaborone.

Activities began with introductions by both Botswana and Chinese members of the institute in the local language, Setswana. More than 600 students welcomed the visitors.

Senior school staff members of Mariba Motlasuping Tshweneetsile said Mabule is so remote they were excited to receive such a visit.

The team from the institute gave cultural performances including kungfu and tai chi, Peking Opera, a sword dance and a fashion show. Mariba students also joined in singing Chinese songs, tried their hand at paper-cutting and calligraphy, and took part in a chopstick competition.

The Confucius Institute, established in 2009, is a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting Chinese culture abroad.

China opens permanent mission to AU

China has opened a permanent mission to the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, to further strengthen diplomatic relations with countries on the continent.

Zhang Ming, vice-minister of foreign affairs, and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, chairperson of the African Union Commission, inaugurated the mission, which will be headed by veteran diplomat Kuang Weilin.

The move makes China the first country to have a fully dedicated official mission to the African Union Commission.

Dlamini-Zuma congratulated China for opening "this dedicated mission" and said her organization sees the move as an indication of the Chinese commitment to the development of the continent.

The mission is set to have political, economic, cultural, peace and security departments, and is expected to benefit comprehensive cooperation and exchanges between China and the African Union. It is expected to further improve the good relationship between China and Africa.

Company starts iron ore mining in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's president has signaled the start of mining operations at an iron ore deposit in the country's north by Shandong Iron and Steel Group.

The Chinese company acquired sole ownership of the Tonkolili mine for more than $100 million from African Minerals Sierra Leone Ltd.

At a ceremony in Freetown on May 6, the President Ernest Bai Koroma described the occasion as "a positive turning point in the country's quest for economic recovery and development".

Although mining activities bring money to the government, he urged the Chinese company not to forget the area's young people by providing job opportunities as well as utilizing local materials.

Koroma also urged the company to exhibit "good corporate partnership by promoting sustainable development and, at the same time, enhancing the welfare of the people of Tonkolili". If should operate in a way that respects environmental management systems, he said.

Cui Jurong, vice-chairman of Shandong Iron and Steel, said his company will adhere to its core values by "advancing together, innovating together and winning together".

China Daily-Xinhua

(China Daily Africa Weekly 05/15/2015 page2)