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Herald Correspondent
The just-ended BRICS summit in South Africa had something for the continent, beyond the hosting in South Africa and inclusion of two African countries in the expanded bloc starting next year.
The summit had a side event dubbed, “BRICS-Africa outreach and BRICS Plus dialogue” which gave the opportunity for these country leaders to interact with African countries.
However, President Xi Jinping delivered arguably the most important message of solidarity and cooperation, which is in line with China’s robust and dynamic relations with the continent.
This was an important marker, including for Zimbabwe which was represented by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Addressing BRICS-Africa outreach and BRICS Plus dialogue President Xi called for joint efforts in building a community of common development.
For Africa, he said: “China is a friend that Africa can count on.”
Better life for humanity
“Development embodies our people’s aspiration for a better life,” President Xi said. “It is the top priority for developing countries and a timeless theme for humanity.”
President Xi said the international community must pursue the larger interests of all countries, respond to people’s concerns, and restore development to the centre of the international agenda.
He said the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance should be increased, and developing countries be supported in realising better development.
President Xi said it was important to uphold true multilateralism, forge a global development partnership, and create a secure and stable international environment for shared development.
In this light, President Xi explained that China had “invariably stood in solidarity with fellow developing countries through thick and thin” stating that “China has been and will always remain a member of developing countries”.
He said: “I proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), precisely for the purpose of calling on the world to stay focused on development and lending impetus to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.”
China has thus put forth tangible proposals and initiative to achieve this.
China has set up a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with a total funding of US$4 billion, and Chinese financial institutions will soon set up a special fund of US$10 billion dedicated to the implementation of the GDI.
China has taken results-oriented actions and deepened practical cooperation which has seen, from Asia to Africa, from Pacific island countries to the Caribbean, over 200 cooperation projects coming to fruition.
Co-operation mechanisms are growing in areas such as poverty reduction, education and health.
China has also assisted in mainstreaming innovations and solutions.
President Xi revealed that under the GDI, China prioritised green development, new-type industrialisation, the digital economy and some other key areas, and pursued a Partnership on New Industrial Revolution to boost high-quality development.
Ensuring food for all humanity, China is also making sure that no one in the developing world starves or lacks energy to cook, heat up and have lights.
According to the Chinese leader, food and energy security bear on the economy of a country and the well-being of its people.
As such China has launched a China-FAO South-South Co-operation Trust Fund, implemented the Food Production Enhancement Action, and provided food assistance to and shared aggrotech with many countries.
China also initiated the Global Clean Energy Co-operation Partnership with a view to achieving energy security.
Development assistance
Over the past decade, China has provided a large amount of development assistance to Africa and helped build more than 6 000 kilometres of railway, over 6 000 kilometres of highway, and 80-plus large power facilities on the continent.
“Going forward, China will carry out more co-operation with African countries to support Africa in enhancing its own capacity for development,” assured President Xi.
Specific measures will be taken, such as providing satellite mapping data products, implementing a Smart Customs cooperation partnership, and launching with UNESCO a “GDI for Africa’s Future” action plan, to support sustainable development in Africa.
Benefits to Zimbabwe
It is encouraging and heart-warming to see Zimbabwe benefiting from practical cooperation with China.
Zimbabwe can tick a number of boxes regarding what President Xi said China has done for Africa.
The country is currently enjoying increased power supplies following recent commissioning of Hwange thermal power station, built by the Chinese recently. The country also benefited from the expansion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport opened recently and in the past year also saw the construction of the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse and construction of over 1 500 boreholes, with 300 more coming.
During the pandemic era, China assisted Zimbabwe to fight the Covid virus through allocation and provision of medicines and materials as well as staff. As a strategic partner of China, Zimbabwe continues to benefit from the friendly cooperation.
Frameworks such as the Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative have not left the country behind.
With the BRICS expansion and impetus, Zimbabwe and Africa will benefit more, while deepening friendly ties with China.
Online Reporter