By S. Idowu Ola
It was said that until the late 1970s, China was a
"closed-economy" during which the movement of Chinese citizens out
of the country was restricted. China has since "opened up" and
human traffic to and from China is now the busiest in the world.
What perhaps is more important now is the effort of the Chinese
Government to establish cooperation with other regions of the world
on every human endeavor such as trade, science and technology,
research, education, world peace and many more.
I happen to be a beneficiary of this new Chinese policy.
I was a recipient of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)/
Academy of Science for the developing world joint fellowship for
postdoctoral research (2004). My experience during the one-year
stay in China led me to conclude that Sino-African cooperation could be about the
best thing to happen to the two continents. Let me expatiate on the
potential benefits of Sino-African cooperation by focusing on the
following aspects.
Human and natural resources
Even though the total land area of China is less than half that
of Africa, China's current human population is more than double the
600 million in the whole of Africa. However, both regions are
endowed and blessed with abundant talented professionals and
natural resources. These professionals have excelled at centers of
excellence overseas. It is to be noted that the Chinese Government
is taking good advantage of its professionals by providing an
enabling working environment for those at home and incentives for
those abroad to return home and participate in national
development. On the other hand Africa is still grappling with the
problem of the brain drain. Africa needs to take a cue from China.
At present there are too few Chinese professionals working in
Africa. Sino-African cooperation will further encourage the
exchange of professionals between the two sides.
While in China I also admired the effort of the Chinese
Government to harness the country's natural resources. For instance
almost all the hills, mountains, waterfalls and historical sites
have been transformed to serve as parks and tourist centers. These
places provide employment for people and serve as source of income
to the government.
Research and education
I was amazed to discover the level of commitment and funding by
the Chinese Government for research and education in their country.
I observed that research institutes are grouped under academies
which are well-funded. For instance CAS has about 80 research
institutes spreading across the country under its control. These
institutes are staffed with highly qualified professionals who
perform cutting-edge research with state-of-the-art equipment. The
results of this heavy investment are clearly evident in the
sustained development of China. Sino-African cooperation will
equally enhance the formation of research and educational linkages
between centers of excellence and professionals in China and Africa
to pursue research of common interest.
China is undoubtedly a technological giant among developing
nations. The Chinese Government has taken the pain to develop its
technology indigenously and it pursues its rural development with
sustained vigor. Chinese technology is not just cheaper but also
meets the demands of the African continent. Sino-African
cooperation will allow for the smooth transfer of Chinese
technology to Africa and the gradual empowerment of the African
continent. China is at present engaged in construction projects in
many African countries.
?
Culture and trade
China and Africa have similar cultures that are rich in history.
Their cultures give maximal regard to extended family life and
societal respect as opposed to the nuclear family and
individualistic approach of the Europeans and their descendants.
Both China and Africa cherish and guard their histories and
cultures. While European languages and cultures are taught in some
universities and institutes in Africa, little is known and
available about Chinese culture and history within Africa. The same
can be said about China as many Chinese students cannot even name
just 10 African countries. Sino-African cooperation is necessary to
counter these defects. This cooperation will reaffirm the societal
norms and values appropriate for both continents.
There would be exchange of cultural personnel and the
establishment of cultural centers that would tackle these lapses.
There should also be exchange of teachers of history and culture
between China and Africa.
Perhaps what is well known about China in Africa is its exported
products that find their ways into many African homes. For example
Nigeria is full of "made in China" products such as computer parts,
toys, textiles, bicycles, motorcycles, kitchen utensils,
telecommunication accessories, home appliances, electrical
appliances and many more. Sino-African cooperation will further
boost the level of trade between them.
Political stability
Like many African countries China is a multiethnic society. It
is worthwhile to note that China has been able to maintain
political stability since the founding of New China in 1949. How
the Chinese were able to achieve this could be a lesson for many
African countries grappling with political upheavals. Political
stability brings forth national development, peace and social
harmony. China could share its experience with African countries
without necessarily interfering in the local politics and
sovereignty of such nations.
I want to end my contribution by recounting some of my personal
experiences while in China. While in Beijing I visited places like
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Fragrant Hills, the
Summer Palace, CCTV, and the Beijing Zoo. I also traveled to
Shanghai, Kunming and Xi'an. I had the best of times in China. I
particularly enjoyed the cooperation and friendliness that I
received from my colleagues, at supermarkets, in the bus, on the
streets and in my neighborhood.
Everywhere I go I was welcomed and treated well. Beijing and
indeed China is a place I would love to visit again and again and I
hope Sino-African cooperation will allow not only me but also my
family and many other Africans to have the opportunity to visit
China.
(China Daily November 8, 2006)
