Interview: Asian, China's industrialization experience pivotal to Africa: DG UNIDO

Africa is facing unprecedented opportunities for industrialization and the experience gained by Asian countries, especially China, is pivotal for the continent, said Li Yong, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Li made the remarks on Wednesday during an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

The African Union and UNIDO organized Wednesday a forum in Geneva dedicated to inclusive and sustainable industrialization in Africa.

Li recalled after the conference that since he took office two years ago, UNIDO has put both inclusive and sustainable industrial development at the forefront of its agenda.

"UNIDO is delighted that sustainable industrialization is recognized by the recently adopted 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ," Li said.

He underlined that Africa is facing unprecedented opportunities for industrialization, given that the continent's economic blueprint over the next 50 years is based on industrialization.

Africa's Agenda 2063, adopted at the beginning of this year by the AU as a long-term development plan, seeks to accelerate development and ensure that the continent fully uses its resources to benefit its one-billion-strong population.

"Africa needs to put the agenda into practice and is in great need of Asian countries', especially China's, experience," Li noted, adding, "a strong leadership, a sophisticated development plan and an excellent team to put the project into practice can lead to successful industrialization, which is also the experience that we could learn from China."

He also stressed that social stability and sufficient infrastructural preparation are essential for guaranteeing industrial success in the continent.

In the latest Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Johannesburg, China promised to carry out 10 major projects in the next three years to boost its cooperation with Africa. The package covers industrialization, agricultural modernization, infrastructure, etc.

"The Chinese government initiated such a huge plan while prioritizing Africa's industrial development. We will also join efforts to support the industrialization of the underdeveloped continent," said Li.

UNIDO is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. Endit