Latest news with #ForumonChina-AfricaCooperation
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chinese hybrid rice boosts food security in Madagascar
Song (back, third right) poses with local residents in Anosiarivo, Madagascar, on March 25, 2025. – Xinhua photo ANTANANARIVO (May 31): 'Before, our land barely produced enough to feed us. Now, with hybrid rice, we not only eat our fill, but sell the surplus and even save to buy more land,' a farmer called Femosoa Rakatondratsara told me, smiling beside his blossoming rice field. Mahitsy, a town some 35km north-west of Antananarivo, Madagascar's capital, is home to the Chinese Hybrid Rice High-Yield Demonstration Base. In the village of Anosiarivo, another hybrid rice site, vibrant paddies stretched to the horizon under blue skies and fluffy clouds. Ramboasalama Anolalaina Ratsina, an expert from the Ministry of Agriculture, was leading local farmers in pest control. Having twice received planting training in central China's Hunan Province, he is now a key figure in local hybrid rice promotion. 'All my planting skills came from Chinese experts,' he said. Over the years, Chinese experts in Madagascar have not only promoted quality seeds but also passed on knowledge, from hands-on fieldwork to theoretical training. Now, technicians like Ratsina are sharing that expertise with farmers across Madagascar. After Irene Nonenjanahary's first hybrid rice harvest brought in a bumper yield last year, she is more confident than ever. 'We used to rely on the weather,' she said. 'Now we rely on technology.' In 2007, China launched the hybrid rice demonstration center project in Madagascar, led by the Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Yuan's Hi-Tech Seed. It was one of the 10 agricultural technology demonstration centers pledged at the first Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. 'Farmers here relied entirely on the mercy of nature. Poor seeds, limited knowledge, and weak infrastructure meant many couldn't even grow enough to eat,' said Hu Yuefang, a Chinese agronomist. Hu (right) inspects hybrid rice growth with local farmers in Mahitsy, Madagascar, on March 25, 2025. – Xinhua photo 'The first challenge to promote hybrid rice was choosing the right seed,' said Hu. To identify varieties suited to Madagascar's climate and soil, he and his team carried dozens of seed samples across almost every major rice-growing region of the island, eventually developing five locally adapted varieties with high yields, drought tolerance and flood resistance. 'But the real challenge was getting farmers to accept these 'foreign' seeds,' said Chinese agricultural expert Song Chunfang. To prove the benefits, they planted side-by-side demonstration plots – one with local rice, the other with hybrid. Using the same planting methods, the yield of hybrid rice was two to three times that of local varieties. Impressed by the yield, farmers dubbed it 'Tsarabe' – 'the best thing' in Malagasy. Hu recalled living in leaky thatched huts, collecting rainwater to drink, and trekking kilometres for firewood. 'Once, while transforming a swampland, a tree branch pierced my foot. It was the villagers who carried me out,' he said. Farmers walk along the ridges of hybrid rice paddies in Mahitsy, Madagascar, on March 26, 2025. – Xiinhua photo Today, hybrid rice cultivation in Madagascar has reached a cumulative 90,000 hectares, with average yields of 7.5 tons per hectare – two to three times that of local varieties – making it Africa's largest hybrid rice producer by area. 'I hope one day hybrid rice will be planted across Madagascar,' said Eric Laperozy, my Malagasy colleague. 'That way, more families can eat well, earn more, and my country can achieve food self-sufficiency.' – Xinhua China hybrid rice Madagascar Xinhua
Egypt Independent
22-05-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
PM emphasizes strategic importance of Chinese president's forthcoming visit to Egypt
CAIRO, May 20 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said he is looking forward to an upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt, describing it as a pivotal moment that will significantly advance bilateral relations and open new horizons for cooperation and emphasizing that the current global and regional climate necessitates deeper collaboration between Egypt and China, particularly in promoting sustainable development and enhancing regional stability. These remarks were made during a high-level meeting held at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, where Madbouly received Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by key Egyptian ministers and diplomats, underscoring the depth of relations between the two nations. The prime minister warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation, expressing his appreciation for the close and evolving relationship between Egypt and China. He also praised China's unwavering support for Egypt over the past decade on critical international matters, reiterating Egypt's steadfast commitment to the One-China principle. He noted that the two countries' relationship has witnessed substantial progress since elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership a decade ago. The premier acknowledged China's adherence to the principle of non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of states. He expressed hope that a portion of the $52 billion in investments pledged by President Xi to Africa during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation would be directed toward projects in Egypt. He further commended the pivotal role Chinese companies have played in Egypt's development, particularly in infrastructure domains, including the electric train system, port modernization, and the Central Business District of the New Administrative Capital. The Egyptian government, he affirmed, is eager to attract additional Chinese investments, especially in technology transfer and the localization of strategic industries such as electric vehicles and mobile phones, he said, highlighting the success of the Chinese TEDA industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a model for future cooperation. Madbouly emphasized Egypt's geographical advantage and market access potential, positioning it as a strategic hub for Chinese industries aiming to reach regional and global markets. He also expressed optimism about enhancing economic cooperation within the BRICS framework, particularly during the upcoming summit in Brazil. On the cultural and tourism front, the prime minister voiced Egypt's desire to boost Chinese tourism, recognizing the Chinese people's deep appreciation for history and culture. He noted that China has been added to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-on-arrival at Egyptian airports, facilitating greater tourism exchange. He called for increased direct flights and tourism promotions to strengthen people-to-people ties. In response, the senior Chinese official conveyed the greetings of the Chinese premier to Madbouly and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his accompanying delegation in Egypt. He noted that the purpose of his visit is to exchange views on key regional and global issues and to reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries. Li commended Egypt's substantial achievements over the past decade across political, economic, and social spheres, remarking on the impressive transformation since his last visit to Egypt two decades ago. He reaffirmed the historical and civilizational bonds between Egypt and China, noting their shared heritage as ancient nations with rich cultural legacies. He underscored China's consistent stance on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expressed strong interest in deepening economic and cultural ties with Egypt. Li highlighted the growing interest among Chinese investors in Egypt's promising market and conveyed China's intent to strengthen cooperation in tourism, heritage preservation, media, and cultural exchange. He pledged to encourage Chinese media to shed more light on the Egyptian civilization and tourism, believing this would attract more Chinese visitors. Li concluded by expressing admiration for Egypt's successful preservation of its historical architecture, particularly during his visits to Cairo and Alexandria, and voiced a strong interest in expanding collaboration in the protection and promotion of ancient cultural heritage.
Middle East
20-05-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// PM emphasizes strategic importance of Chinese president's forthcoming visit to Egypt
CAIRO, May 20 (MENA) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said he is looking forward to an upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt, describing it as a pivotal moment that will significantly advance bilateral relations and open new horizons for cooperation and emphasizing that the current global and regional climate necessitates deeper collaboration between Egypt and China, particularly in promoting sustainable development and enhancing regional stability. These remarks were made during a high-level meeting held at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, where Madbouly received Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, and his accompanying delegation. The meeting was attended by key Egyptian ministers and diplomats, underscoring the depth of relations between the two nations. The prime minister warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation, expressing his appreciation for the close and evolving relationship between Egypt and China. He also praised China's unwavering support for Egypt over the past decade on critical international matters, reiterating Egypt's steadfast commitment to the One-China principle. He noted that the two countries' relationship has witnessed substantial progress since elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership a decade ago. The premier acknowledged China's adherence to the principle of non-interference and respect for the sovereignty of states. He expressed hope that a portion of the $52 billion in investments pledged by President Xi to Africa during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation would be directed toward projects in Egypt. He further commended the pivotal role Chinese companies have played in Egypt's development, particularly in infrastructure domains, including the electric train system, port modernization, and the Central Business District of the New Administrative Capital. The Egyptian government, he affirmed, is eager to attract additional Chinese investments, especially in technology transfer and the localization of strategic industries such as electric vehicles and mobile phones, he said, highlighting the success of the Chinese TEDA industrial zone in the Suez Canal Economic Zone as a model for future cooperation. Madbouly emphasized Egypt's geographical advantage and market access potential, positioning it as a strategic hub for Chinese industries aiming to reach regional and global markets. He also expressed optimism about enhancing economic cooperation within the BRICS framework, particularly during the upcoming summit in Brazil. On the cultural and tourism front, the prime minister voiced Egypt's desire to boost Chinese tourism, recognizing the Chinese people's deep appreciation for history and culture. He noted that China has been added to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible for visa-on-arrival at Egyptian airports, facilitating greater tourism exchange. He called for increased direct flights and tourism promotions to strengthen people-to-people ties. In response, the senior Chinese official conveyed the greetings of the Chinese premier to Madbouly and expressed his gratitude for the warm reception accorded to him and his accompanying delegation in Egypt. He noted that the purpose of his visit is to exchange views on key regional and global issues and to reinforce the growing partnership between the two countries. Li commended Egypt's substantial achievements over the past decade across political, economic, and social spheres, remarking on the impressive transformation since his last visit to Egypt two decades ago. He reaffirmed the historical and civilizational bonds between Egypt and China, noting their shared heritage as ancient nations with rich cultural legacies. He underscored China's consistent stance on non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and expressed strong interest in deepening economic and cultural ties with Egypt. Li highlighted the growing interest among Chinese investors in Egypt's promising market and conveyed China's intent to strengthen cooperation in tourism, heritage preservation, media, and cultural exchange. He pledged to encourage Chinese media to shed more light on the Egyptian civilization and tourism, believing this would attract more Chinese visitors. Li concluded by expressing admiration for Egypt's successful preservation of its historical architecture, particularly during his visits to Cairo and Alexandria, and voiced a strong interest in expanding collaboration in the protection and promotion of ancient cultural heritage. (MENA) R E E/
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
President Xi congratulates Togo president Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove on assuming office
China's President Xi Jinping speaks during a forum. Image: Pedro Pardo / AFP Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations to Jean-Lucien Savi de Tove on assuming the presidency of Togo. Also on Wednesday, Xi sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of Togo's Council of Ministers. Xi said that friendly relations between China and Togo have been jointly established and carefully nurtured by the generations of leaders of both countries. Over half a century, the two sides have always adhered to sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and win-win cooperation, he added. He also noted that the two countries have always firmly supported each other on matters of their core interests and major concerns, and have become a model of equality among nations, regardless of size, as well as unity and cooperation in the Global South. During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing, China and Togo have elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties, he said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togo relations and is willing to work with Togo's leaders to take the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Summit outcomes as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields, and continuously enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to better benefit the people of both countries. Also on Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assuming office as the president of Togo's Council of Ministers. This article was originally published in CGTN.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
China's Response to US Tariffs: Lessons for Africa
China's President Xi Jinping (centre) with leaders from African countries at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 5, external shocks into opportunities for reform, investing in domestic capacity, and building south-south partnerships are all strategies that African states, including South Africa, should explore, says the writer. Kuben Chetty When US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed that China's economy could lose '5 to 10 million jobs' due to new tariffs, the headline predictably grabbed global attention. 'The onus is on Beijing,' he added, laying the blame for de-escalation squarely at China's doorstep. But such rhetoric, laced with provocation, ignores both the history and the present reality of US-China trade relations. More crucially, for countries like South Africa watching this power play unfold, Bessent's remarks reveal not strength, but a strategic miscalculation: the assumption that China is cornered. The reality is quite different. China is not just enduring the storm — it is actively transforming it into a catalyst for growth and global integration. While Bessent frames tariffs as a hammer, China has chosen to wield them as a chisel, reshaping its domestic economy and diversifying its global footprint. Recent reporting by China Daily reveals that in response to tariff escalation, Beijing is accelerating its pivot toward internal economic circulation and tech-driven industrial upgrades. In essence, it's turning external pressure into internal reform. At the heart of this shift lies China's 'dual circulation' model, which emphasises both international exports and a robust domestic market. As US tariffs bite, Chinese exporters are rechanneling their focus inward, tapping into one of the world's largest consumer bases. This strategy doesn't eliminate pain, but it certainly builds long-term resilience. Simultaneously, Chinese companies are expanding their global reach through new avenues — demonstrated vividly at this year's Canton Fair. As CGTN reports, many firms are bypassing US tariff walls by exploring alternative markets across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. They're not retreating from globalisation; they're simply redrawing the map. It's a form of pragmatic diplomacy that the US may want to study rather than dismiss. Even the logistics sector — often a barometer of deeper economic trends — is signaling that the costs of tariffs will soon rebound back to the American economy. A logistics insider interviewed in viral Facebook footage warns that tariff disruptions are already raising prices, delaying shipments, and unsettling global supply chains. Let's be clear: no one wins in a trade war. China has consistently reiterated this position, most recently through government spokesperson Guo Jiakun, who emphasized that the current tension was initiated by Washington. Dialogue, not dominance, is the only pathway forward. To insist that 'China must de-escalate first' is to demand surrender, not negotiation. This should matter to South Africa, not just as an observer, but as a trading nation navigating between East and West. Our exporters are vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chain. Our economy, too, depends on multilateralism, not megaphone diplomacy. We would do well to foster closer ties with partners who demonstrate economic adaptability rather than coercion. As Africa moves toward greater industrialisation and regional integration, China's model offers important lessons. Turning external shocks into opportunities for reform, investing in domestic capacity, and building south-south partnerships are all strategies that African states, including South Africa, should explore. The emerging BRICS+ framework could become a bulwark against the volatility of transatlantic geopolitics. At a time when the world faces multiple polycrises, from inflation and war to climate change, the last thing we need is an economic superpower using tariffs as a political weapon. What we need is mutual respect, multilateral dialogue, and a shared commitment to sustainable global development. Tariffs may come and go, but strategic resilience is what defines a nation's future. And on that front, the world may be wise to watch Beijing a little more closely — and listen to Washington a little less blindly.
