Interview: Africa-China cooperation on solid ground: expert

China's economic presence in Africa makes a major contribution to the stability, peace and development in Africa, a South African independent political consultant says.

China's search for much-needed raw materials, markets and employment for its people cannot be interpreted simply as neocolonialism resulting in a scramble for Africa's raw materials, Stephen McQueen, an independent political consultant, said in an interview with Xinhua.

"To dismiss as such, is a misrepresentation of the realities."

The African continent is blessed with many raw materials but it needs the skills, training, funds and infrastructure required to create an environment conducive for the development of Africa's full potential, more particularly for the local beneficiation and utilization of its raw materials, which will be of enormous benefit to Africa.

Moreover, Africa has a vibrant, young, growing population yearning to learn and earn, to labor and to provide a better life for itself.

"The new Africa will not tolerate an approach that smacks of neocolonialism, and will be very protective of its own business interests," and it has proved that China is not taking this approach, McQueen said.

The enormous increase in Chinese involvement in Africa over the last 20 years has resulted in much major economic and infrastructural development, and Africa is today better placed to take advantage of any economic recovery which may follow, he added.

"Chinese involvement in Africa is neither a self-serving exploitation to obtain raw materials, nor a philanthropic mission, " said McQueen.

He said China has developed a "business is business" approach, it wants to be seen as a partner in overcoming difficulties.

A "new type of strategic partnership" has developed in Africa following a number of summits held between China and African countries. The plan is based on "pragmatic cooperation, equality and mutual benefit."

The consequences of this plan have, inter alia, been the growing of aid to Africa, the setting up a China-Africa Development Fund and the encouraging of Chinese companies to invest in Africa.

To this end preferential loans have been granted, Chinese markets have been further opened by increasing the number of items from Africa which receive zero-tariff treatment in China. In the process, thousands of African people have been trained and many hospitals and schools have been built.

Trade between Africa and China is no new phenomenon. The two sides have developed their ties into full-scale trading relations. China has been Africa's largest trade partner since 2009, with the volume reaching 166.3 billion dollars in 2011 and nearly 200 billion dollars in 2012.

Africa's desire is not only the exporting of these raw materials, but more importantly the transformation of these materials in Africa, resulting in the creation of employment locally and increasing trade from Africa to the other parts of the world.

In assisting Africa, in a spirit of partnership, to overcome its own challenges and in helping Africa to become a hub of investment and trade, China has helped Africa strengthen its independence and build a healthy interdependence - the result of a partnership approach, McQueen said.

China has large reserves of funds and thousands of skilled engineers available and is clearly ready to get involved in Africa in order to enhance its contribution to the development of Africa.

"Chinese involvement in Africa in a structured, well-planned manner, focussing on the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of a larger market in and through Africa will assist transform Africa to speed its goal of sound economic development," McQueen said.

"This can only be advantageous to both Africa and China to play a positive and constructive role, characterized by a spirit of partnership to the benefit of all."

Speaking of challenges confronting Africa-China cooperation, McQueen said the biggest challenge facing Africa is how to convert "extractors of raw materials" into "transformers of raw materials" on the continent. This will help in the creation of employment locally which is imperative for the long-term stability of Africa.

"Building roads and railways to harbors and connecting major cities in Africa will enhance the trade that is needed to grow the African economy." Endi