The recent visit by President Hu to the African Continent had been thoroughly commented upon, analysed and expanded by editorial staff, political analysts and think tank experts. Needless to say I, as an African of Chinese Origin and the Chinese Community in general have a certain elation, pride and satisfaction to see history in the making.

It is significant to note that no Chinese has ever landed in African soil with the barrel of a gun, except for peace keepers under the auspices of a United Nation's Mandate.

Economic reasons, promotion of trade and friendly relations are the mainstay of inter-government relations and President Hu's visit is no different.

When different Races and distant Continents meet, it is natural there is always an underlying suspicion and prejudice and President Hu's visit is the same. Behind the popular misconceptions of both Continents that Orientals are inscrutable, that Africans are just "out of the jungle". These misconceptions must be replaced by the twenty first century truism that the world is a global village, that the barter trade of beads and guns are replaced by joint ventures, trade pacts, international conglomerates, venture capital, etc.

In terms of textile economics, what is so wrong to give to African consumers affordable clothing? By the same reasoning is it wrong for South African Breweries to dominate the Chinese Beer market, for Sasol to build coal to liquid or gas plants in China? Is it wrong for Anglo American or Billiton to open mining resources in China? If I may recall, President Hu's key words are-We must work towards the mutual benefit of both countries.

Let us dispel the notion that the African Continent is a poor Continent populated by barbarians, in fact it is the only Continent so rich in mineral resources and a never ending coast line. It is the richest kingdom in fauna and flora.

China is the most populous nation on Earth, a fastest growing third world economy, the manufacturer to the world with the biggest foreign exchange holding. Utilizing President Hu's philosophy of mutual benefits, China's market is open to any entrepreneur who is willing to take up the challenge. China with a population base of 1,3 billions souls have the capability of absorbing anything Africa can produce and find acceptance in the Chinese market.

Businesses can find a niche in the season's variation between the southern and northern hemispheres. African nations can always find a ready market in China for their fruits, fresh produce and cut flowers, whilst preserved fruits enjoy a market in all seasons.

Food is an ever increasing scarce commodity in this world, marine resources are shrinking alarmingly world wide, thus fish and other marine farming is the norm for the future. In a manner of speaking Africa is the biggest island in the world, thus fish farming and other aquaculture can provide employment for hundreds of thousands as well as feed the world.

Nations of the world are often accused by Africans of stealing Africa's precious mineral resources and China being one of the biggest importers is no exception. The solution of this problem actually lies in Africa's hands. Africa must endeavour to beneficiate all its mineral or other assets as far or as much as possible in order to pay less on shipping costs and enjoy higher returns on its products. In other words selling pig iron or steel is better than selling iron ore. The flip side is that one is providing employment for one's own people. By the same token importing completely knocked down components of vehicles (sub assemblies) or semi finished textiles can indeed provide employment for local workers.

In terms of education, President Hu has offered an open door policy to African student to study in China's institution of higher learning. It is indeed a sad day for African students to find Chinese language and culture daunting, thus it behoves those who take this route to start learning Chinese as early as possible in their home countries.

The shrinking world and globalization has increased worldwide migration. The migration of Chinese into Africa is no exception. Needless to say all countries must take care to weed out the criminal element and the Triads. Africa has great need of the genuine migrant, especially those with special skills, such as teachers, technician, specialist farmers, aquaculture experts, entrepreneurs, investors and corporate executives. These people have the add on effect of teaching local people their specific skills.

Chinese people have the unfortunate tendency of being insular, in other words they carry their own culture, stay in their own Chinatowns and create their own schools. There is a great need for Chinese to react with NOT THEIR OWN KIND, understand the local culture and language in order not to antagonize other people.

Africa is in fact virgin territory in terms of civil and other development. If China can build the Three River Gorge Dam, locks and hydro-electrical power stations, the railway line to Tibet, the highest in the world, then China can participate in the bidding in the yet unstarted civil engineering projects of Africa. Some of these are:

1. The Cape to Cairo toll road.

2. East to West toll road from Dar es Salaam to Boma.

3. The harnessing of water resources, hydro electric schemes, river navigation and aquaculture of the rivers and great lakes of Central Africa.

4. China has great experience in the taming of the Gobi Desert, thus China can assist Africa to perform the same function in terms of the Sahara, Namib and Kalahari. The greening of these deserts can assist man-kind in the utilization of solar, wind, energy-in the from of solar electric cell panels and windmill electric generators-and cut down on carbon dioxide pollution-in the form of forests.

If Africa and China can form a fruitful partnership in the foreseeable future, the whole world will benefit.

Tim Quan

M.B. Ch.B. F.C.F.P.(S.A.)