Import of all sorts of products in African Countries increased 2,1% in 2011. China still came first in terms of import of machines and machinery and all sorts of other products as well. Being first on the list of ten most importing countries, China was the country recording the biggest import increase in 2011 when compared to the previous year. South Africa followed China with 19,8 percent of import increase.
Chinese impact on Africa is tremendous. The 20-storey- African Union building in Addis Ababa –the capital city of Ethiopia– donated by Beijing government is all what it takes to summarize China’s dreams on the region. Although China has been describing its relations with Africa as “friends fighting against imperial powers” so far, quite a many people tend to be suspicious about this situation.
Chinese made products spreading all over the world occupy an important position in African countries, machines and machinery coming first. Germany comes second with a 6,3 increase. Despite the fact that Chinese products cause trouble in terms of quality and use, they are preferred in the whole world because of their cheapness. China’s share of machines and machinery import in the market is 8 billion 686 million dollars out of 60 billion 287 million dollars.
The amount imported from Germany to African countries is 6 billion 813 million dollars. It seems that Italy and France are losing their market. Italy recorded a decrease of 4,6% when compared to 2010, and France a decrease of 0,5%.
Chinese Import Success
Import of all sorts of products in African Countries increased 2,1% in 2011. China still came first in terms of import of machines and machinery and all sorts of other products as well. Being first on the list of ten most importing countries, China was the country recording the biggest import increase in 2011 when compared to the previous year. South Africa followed China with 19,8 percent of import increase. African countries imported products valuing 47 billion 641 million dollars from China in 2009; however this increased up to 59 billion 815 million dollars in 2010, and 72 billion 927 million dollars in 2011. French follows China with an increase of 11,1 percent. African countries imported products valuing 35 billion 159 million dollars from France in 2010; this increased up to 39 billion 46 million dollars for all products. USA comes third on the list. African countries imported products valuing 32 billion 606 million dollars from USA, which means a 15,3 percent increase.
Germany comes forth with 7,8 percent increase and import value of 28 billion 523 million dollars; Italy is the fifth with 22 billion 105 million dollars.
Professor Winston Wole Soboyejo says: “Countries that reached their global growth target wish to impress others as a sign of their magnificence.”
Professor Winston Wole Soboyejo from Princeton University, with whom Voice of America had a conversation via Skype, made an interpretation of the situation, telling: “The fact that this sort of memorials has to contribute development of the public is important. All in all, main point is, development has to be public-oriented.” However, because of the fact that Beijing government rises as a power interested in Africa’s rich natural sources, it seems causing anxiety in the continent even if just a pinch.
Wei Jinsheng, an encountering Chinese activist, points out that Beijing’s investments on Africa are often involved in abusiveness. Abusiveness is a quality that Chinese government, which is already familiar with it, and private companies bring wherever they go as investors: “Those people were already involved in abusiveness in China. Now they are conveying it to Africa. This causes anger and resistance among people in Africa.” According to Wei, American and European companies act slowly in terms of investment issues because of the high risk, and this pulls China to the stage: “Africa turned into China’s backyard. As a result, America and Europe realized what kind of a mistake they had done against Africa. They are now trying fixing the situation, but I’m not sure they will ever do this.” According to Nigerian Professor Soboyejo, America’s enterprises in the continent would please many Africans: “Africans like many things in America. They appreciate American education institutions, their environmental conservation attempts and quality of the products coming from America. They like their movies and technology.” Professor Soboyejo believes that America can make new associates in African continent with freedom of speech and immigrant friendly policies, and can create new investment opportunities: “Along with America’s investments and establishing new relationships, Africa will become an increasingly vital trading partner.” President Obama agrees now it is time. Obama, giving a speech in South Africa last week, stated that America is ready to increase their investments and commercial activities in the African continent and they plan to protract the temporary law eliminating customs duty on import products coming from African countries.
This article was taken from “Africa Time” magazine by demanding all necessary permissions for copyright.
