In a strong display of international solidarity, China continues to champion Africa's journey towards modernization and poverty alleviation. At a recent press conference in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted the deep-rooted partnership between China and Africa, emphasizing the significant strides made in reducing poverty across the continent.
Lin Jian underscored that poverty eradication is a universal mission and a shared goal of the African people. \"Poverty reduction has always been an essential component of China-Africa cooperation,\" he stated, reflecting on the long-standing efforts to foster sustainable development.
Under the Framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has implemented 47 poverty reduction and agricultural projects. These initiatives have trained nearly 9,000 agricultural personnel and introduced over 300 advanced technologies, directly benefiting more than 1 million smallholder farmers. Among the standout achievements is the introduction of China's Juncao technology, which has empowered hundreds of thousands to boost their incomes. Additionally, the introduction of hybrid rice has dramatically increased rice yields in several African nations from an average of 2 tonnes to an impressive 7.5 tonnes per hectare.
Chinese experts are also establishing demonstration villages focused on rice cultivation, bringing the vision of \"every mouth has food and every pocket has money\" closer to reality. Beyond agricultural advancements, China has set up agricultural cooperation parks and processing plants, adding significant value to local products and enhancing their marketability.
China's commitment extends to creating efficient trade channels. The establishment of \"green lanes\" has facilitated the importation of high-quality African agricultural products into China, fostering economic exchanges. The \"100 Companies in 1,000 Villages\" initiative has seen Chinese businesses roll out 320 corporate social responsibility projects, positively impacting over 10,000 villages and communities across Africa.
Moreover, China’s investments have been instrumental in advancing Africa’s industrialization. Notable projects include Nigeria's Lekki Free Trade Zone and the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. These zones not only attract foreign investment but also promote the growth of industry clusters branded as \"made in Africa,\" strengthening economic resilience.
Employment opportunities have also surged with the establishment of 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African countries, enhancing local job markets. Looking ahead, Lin Jian expressed China's readiness to further deepen cooperation with Africa at the upcoming 2024 FOCAC Summit, aiming to continue alleviating poverty and building a brighter future for African communities.
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China has always staunchly supported Africa's poverty alleviation
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