(ECNS) - China regards Africa as a key partner in the “Belt and Road” initiative and is ready to ensure mutual prosperity, said a senior official with the Ministry of Commerce.
At a press conference for the upcoming Beijing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Qian Keming, vice minister of commerce, said the “Belt and Road” strategy is highly compatible with Africa’s development priorities.
Africa takes interconnection in infrastructure and industrialization as a core part of its development strategy. The speed of integration on the continent has accelerated this year due to the formation of a free trade zone as well as efforts to promote a single air transport market and the free flow of people and goods.
China’s “Belt and Road” initiative fits well with those centerpiece projects to promote Africa’s growth and integration. Africa has a bright prospect ahead for its population of 1.2 billion people, said Qian.
Promoting interconnection will be a core part of China-Africa cooperation in future, it was added.
