core sector communique

Africa-China Trade: Building a New, Strategic Relationship

• The strategic interests of China and Africa are inextricably linked. Africa must prove it is a reliable, predictable trade partner and attractive destination for investment. China must listen to what Africa wants
• China and Africa’s relationship is evolving into to a true partnership to structure mutually beneficial economic relations

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 6 May 2010 – The 20th World Economic Forum on Africa is in its second day in Dar es Salaam. Twelve African heads of state/government are taking part along with over 1,000 participants from 85 countries. Rethinking Africa’s Growth Strategy is the theme of the meeting.

Increasingly, the strategic interests of China and Africa are inextricably linked. Africa must prove it is a reliable predictable trade partner and attractive destination for investment, while China must listen to what Africa wants. “The challenge is to define clearly with China what we want and the directions of investment. Africa now needs to set the agenda much more energetically,” said Rob Davies, Minister of Trade and Industry of South Africa. “China wants raw materials, but for Africa to benefit, we must grow beyond suppliers of dirt out of the ground that goes somewhere else to be processed.”