China-Africa cooperation based on mutual respect

Preparations are in high gear as Uganda prepares to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties with China. The celebrations coincide with Uganda's Golden Jubilee from British colonial rule back in 1962.

While meeting a team of visiting Chinese journalists here, Sam Kutesa, Uganda's minister of foreign affairs hailed the China- Africa cooperation which dates back to the 1950s and 1960s as Africa struggled to free itself from colonial rule.

"We have been partners with China in the decolonization process of Africa and we value the support since the 50s and 60s," he said, noting China has stood shoulder to shoulder with Africa even in modern day times.

He said that at the international arena including at the UN, China has shared the same positions with Africa and that the two regions support each other based on mutual respect.

He said the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has redefined the relations between China and Africa.

"We think it is a very good contribution to African development. We all agree that we should tackle development fast and ensure that our countries get out of poverty. The support we have received from China is very tremendous," he said.

Like many African countries, Uganda has benefited from the FOCAC in various sectors.

The Chinese government established a 5-million-U.S.-dollar fish farming demonstration center dubbed Uganda-China Friendship Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center located at Kajjansi on the outskirts of the capital Kampala.

Fish farmers from various parts of the country converge at the center to acquire new skills to boost fish production.

China also donated to Uganda a 100-bed hospital dubbed Uganda- China Friendship Hospital. The hospital is expected to ease the congestion at the country's national referral hospital Mulago Hospital located in the capital Kampala.

China has also constructed government offices and a state-of- the-art stadium Mandela National Stadium Namboole, located on the outskirts of Kampala.

Besides the annual scholarships given by the China, the Asian country has also boosted road construction in Uganda.

Chinese road construction companies are working on major highways linking the country to other neighboring countries. Construction of the country's first ever expressway linking Kampala to Entebbe International Airport is expected to start soon, according to government officials.

Over the years, trade between Uganda and China has steadily been growing. According to statistics from the Chinese embassy, from 1993 to 2011, China's investment in Uganda totaled 596 million U.S. dollars and 256 Chinese firms opened business in Uganda, creating 28,000 job opportunities for the local people.

Last year, the amount of bilateral trade reached 400 million dollars, increasing by more than 40 percent from 2010.

Despite this growing trend, the trade imbalance between the two countries is wide. Uganda's exports to China last year reached 40 million dollars, jumping by 49.5 percent.

"Trade is not yet balanced but we hope we can work towards balancing it. The signs are extremely good particularly after the FOCAC meetings where China has now allowed up to 95 percent non- tariff, barrier-free goods. We think this is a great opening between Uganda, Africa and China," Kutesa said.

In order to promote Uganda's exports, China has provided the Ugandan side with a free stall in China to help Uganda promote its products in the Chinese market.

Besides China unilaterally cancelling all the debts of interest free loans before 2005 for Uganda, starting July 1 of this year, 95 percent of Ugandan goods could enter the Chinese market without duty and tariffs.

China has also allowed Uganda to open up a consulate in Guangzhou to help facilitate trade between the two countries.

Kutesa said he is optimistic of the future cooperation between China and Africa.

"We are looking for greater cooperation in the economic, social, cultural, social fields," he said, noting there is also need to deepen the people to people relation.

He said the most critical areas of cooperation are in infrastructure, agro-processing, oil and gas and tourism.