BEIJING, CHINA — Chinese scholar Professor Wang Yiwei of Renmin University of China says greater manufacturing cooperation between China and African countries could help accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and increase the value of locally produced goods.
Addressing African and Eurasian journalists in Beijing, Professor Wang explained that the “Made in Africa with China to the World” initiative seeks to combine China’s manufacturing expertise with Africa’s resources, labour and market potential.
He noted that many African countries continue to export raw materials which are processed elsewhere before returning to international markets as higher-value finished products.
Professor Wang said establishing more manufacturing industries on the continent could enable countries to process their resources locally, retain a greater share of the value chain and create employment.
He explained that the initiative also seeks to strengthen industrial cooperation between Chinese and African businesses while developing supply chains capable of serving both African and international markets.
Professor Wang added that cooperation could include areas such as technology transfer, skills development, industrial production and partnerships between manufacturers.
He maintained that the objective should not only be to manufacture products for African consumers, but also to produce goods in Africa that can compete in global markets.
Professor Wang said the approach could support efforts by African economies to diversify away from heavy dependence on exports of unprocessed commodities.
He added that stronger manufacturing capacity would also create opportunities for supporting industries, including logistics, packaging, equipment maintenance and other services linked to production.
The initiative comes as African countries continue to place industrialisation, value addition and job creation at the centre of their economic development strategies.
Professor Wang indicated that stronger cooperation between China and African countries could help build more integrated production networks while expanding the role of African-made products in international trade.