By Joy Osaji
Stakeholders have put forward strategies for African leaders to adopt to achieve a high-quality productive force and sustainable economic growth in the new era.
This revelation was made during a one-day seminar on “Enhancing China-Africa Cooperation in New Quality Productive Forces to Achieve Quality Growth,” which took place at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja on Monday.
The seminar, organized by the China Media Group (CMG) in collaboration with the University of Abuja, was attended by prominent figures including Mr Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Abuja; Eng. Yabagi Sani, National Chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP); top media executives, academic scholars, foreign policy experts, journalists, students, and members of the diplomatic community.
In his address, Minister Counsellor Wang Yingqi said the concept of New Quality Productive Forces advocated by President Xi Jinping involves advanced productivity characterized by high-tech innovations, high efficiency, and high quality with innovation playing a key role following the new development philosophy.
“The driving forces behind New Quality Productive Forces include revolutionary technological advancements, innovative allocation of production factors, and profound industrial transformation and upgrading. The essence lies in enhancing the capabilities of workers, means of labour, subjects of labour, and their optimal combinations. The core feature is a significant increase in total factor productivity,” the Minister Counsellor said.
Mr Yingqi stressed that the development of New Quality Productive Forces does not entail neglecting or abandoning traditional industries. He emphasized that through fostering New Quality Productive Forces, China aims to advance traditional industries, making them more sophisticated, intelligent, and environmentally friendly. This transition is crucial for enhancing productivity, efficiency, and global competitiveness.
On his part, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Director of the Centre for Contemporary China-Africa Research in Nigeria, introduced the China-Africa Consensus—a pioneering set of recommendations geared towards enhancing cooperation between China and Africa. This consensus, as an incremental initiative, aims to drive Africa’s growth and development while acknowledging China’s developmental trajectory and positioning it as a dependable partner in Africa’s progress.
The Consensus outlines several critical factors essential for achieving a productive force in Africa. These factors include a mixed economy, technological breakthroughs, export-led growth, boosting domestic production, industrial capacity building, fiscal discipline, incremental reforms, and a robust security architecture.
Earlier in his remarks, He Beiping, Head of China Media Group in Nigeria, said the theme of the seminar, “New Quality Productive Forces” and “Achieve Quality Growth” will bring about significant development to the African continent by attracting more Chinese investors. He emphasized that China is currently engaged in research and development on various scientific and technological projects, providing African scholars with opportunities to participate in projects such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and aerospace technology.
