Photo provided to Guangming Online
In an exclusive interview with Guangming Online, Dr. Balew Demissie, Communication and Publication Consultant at the Policy Studies Institute, Ethiopia’s government think tank, expressed his belief that Africa and China, with their shared histories and similar development trajectories, are destined to continue growing together. He emphasized that both regions face common challenges and require common solutions, underscoring the need for collaboration across various sectors, including academia and research.
Dr. Demissie pointed to one of the key initiatives that exemplify this commitment: a letter sent to President Xi Jinping with the aim of fostering stronger academic cooperation and research, particularly in the area of China-Africa relations. He explained, “Our primary goal is to achieve mutual growth, development, and progress by investing in human capital and enhancing research capabilities.” This initiative was warmly received by President Xi, who responded with encouragement, urging collaboration in three major areas: Africa-China relations, the Global South, and South-South cooperation. This endorsement has spurred continued efforts by African intellectuals and leaders to work together in these domains.
Shifting to a more specific example of Africa-China collaboration, Dr. Demissie discussed the evolution of Ethiopia-China relations. While the diplomatic ties between the two countries began in the 1970s with a focus on political matters, the relationship has transformed significantly over the years. The shift towards economic cooperation has been particularly marked since the late 1990s. Notably, China’s involvement in Ethiopia’s infrastructure development has been substantial, with one of the most significant projects being the Addis Ababa-Djibutie Railway. This crucial infrastructure, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, now facilitates 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports and has become the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Beyond infrastructure, China has contributed to Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector and played a key role in educating Ethiopian students. “Many Ethiopian students are now pursuing advanced degrees in China, a testament to the growing academic exchanges between our two countries,” Dr. Demissie noted. This development is complemented by ongoing efforts to build deeper cultural ties, such as Chinese cultural troupes visiting Ethiopia and Chinese restaurants opening in the country. The establishment of institutions like the Confucius Institute in Ethiopia, where Chinese language and culture are taught, further solidifies the bond between the two nations.
Dr. Demissie also highlighted China’s extensive technical and medical assistance to Ethiopia, particularly through training programs that have bolstered local capacity. He recalled the vital support offered by Chinese medical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that China was among the first to send help when other nations were unable to do so. “These efforts were invaluable in strengthening Ethiopia’s health sector,” he said.
Looking forward, Dr. Demissie reflected on the lessons that African countries can learn from China’s modernization journey. While acknowledging that each country must follow its own path, he noted that Africa could draw valuable insights from China’s experience. “Africa should not simply copy China but adapt the lessons from its achievements,” he said. China’s success in infrastructure development and human capital investment, including the emphasis on education and technical training, provides a framework that African nations can use to accelerate their own development.
Dr. Demissie also pointed to China’s governance and leadership practices as exemplary models for Africa. The discipline, accountability, and long-term planning demonstrated by China, particularly through its five-year plans, are areas where African countries could benefit. “In many African countries, we lack consistent planning and institutional efficiency,” he observed. By adopting China’s approach to governance and strategic planning, Dr. Demissie believes Africa can move towards a faster-paced modernization.
In conclusion, Dr. Demissie expressed his optimism for the future of Africa-China cooperation, stating that while the path to modernization may not be immediate, the lessons drawn from China’s experience can guide Africa toward achieving sustainable growth and development. Through collaboration and shared commitment, both regions can address their common challenges and build a better future together.
老赖“要求美颜”露马脚被抓 本报讯 记者黄辉 通讯员元春华 武慧慧 “能不能给我开个美颜？”被执行人在法院抖音里看到自己的失信行为被曝光后，竟然笑嘻嘻地在抖音评论区留言挑衅法官，结果露出马脚被抓。 2023 英伟达的新挑战者？孙正义计划筹集千亿美元成立AI芯片公司 孙正义计划筹资千亿美元，搭建属于软银的AI(人工智能)芯片巨头，对行业领导者英伟达发起挑战。 当地时间2月17日，据外媒报道，软银集团的创始人孙正义计划 春节假期武铁发送旅客511万人次 中新网武汉2月18日电 (记者 张芹)记者18日从中国铁路武汉局集团有限公司(以下简称“武铁”)获悉，2024年春节假期，武铁共发送旅客511万人次。1月26日至2月17日，武铁共发送旅客1273. 最长春节假期收官：多地接待游客远超往年，“南北互换”流动趋势明显 澎湃新闻记者 唐莹莹 2月17日正月初八，为期8天的史上最长春节假期正式收官。 根据全国各地文旅部门、热门景区以及多家在线旅游平台的数 春节假期中国跨区域人员流动量预计超23亿人次 中新社北京2月17日电 (记者 刘文文)17日(正月初八)是中国龙年春节假期最后一天。来自2024年综合运输春运工作专班的最新数据显示，2月10日至17日(农历正月初一至初 湖南铁路科技职业技术学院党委书记康月林接受纪律审查和监察调查 中新网2月22日电 据中央纪委国家监委网站，据湖南省纪委监委消息：湖南铁路科技职业技术学院党委书记康月林涉嫌严重违纪违法，目前正接受湖南省纪委 。本文链接：“We face common challenges and need practical solutions”: Dr. Balew Demissie on strengthening Africahttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-36958-0.html
声明：本网站为非营利性网站，本网页内容由互联网博主自发贡献，不代表本站观点，本站不承担任何法律责任。天上不会到馅饼，请大家谨防诈骗！若有侵权等问题请及时与本网联系，我们将在第一时间删除处理。
上一篇： Infographic: Understanding China's visa-free "circle of friends"
下一篇： 卫生健康对口援藏30年成效显著