By Fatima Bulla, Deputy Features Editor for Religious Affairs-The Sunday Mail-Harare, Zimbabwe
On January 29, I received a letter from the Chinese Embassy in Harare, Zimbabwe, which said:
"Dear Ms Fatima Bulla, China Public Diplomacy Association (CPDA) has the honour to invite you to participate in the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC)-China Africa Press Centre (CAPC) 2018 program, which will be held in China from February to December 2018 by CPDA."
The statement had opened up a new chapter in my life and I discovered later that I could debunk many outrageous myths about China and its people as well.
And just two months during my stay in Beijing at the moment, I'm learning so much about China's political, economic and social culture, and accordingly my perspective on the nation has taken a complete reversal.
Each passing day has presented me with new experiences that have debunked some of my long-held myths of China.
The way Chinese people conduct their business in areas of innovation, information and technology, their value for culture have earned my deep and abiding respect.
CIPCC/CAPC Program
Now in its fifth year, the CIPCC is meant to encourage exchanges between the Chinese and international media.
The aim is to invite journalists so they can better understand China by witnessing for themselves the information and experiences of the nation while staying here.
The program invites journalists from African countries to cover major political and diplomatic events in China, while meeting officials from relevant ministries and departments, and exchange views with Chinese media organizations and academics during ten months' stay.
The program also provides journalists with opportunities to visit different provinces and cities, as well as exploring traditional Chinese culture.
This year 30 African journalists are participating in the prestigious program.
Major Events
We have managed to cover the annual "two sessions" - the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) which is similar to parliamentary sessions in our respective countries.
The platform has provided amazing experiences to understand China's political system. Most importantly, Chinese public officials are held accountable over issues that impact people's lives.
The press conferences which public officials have availed themselves for at least two hours at each session speak volumes on how far China is willing to be held accountable for its citizens.
As part of about 2,000 local and 1,000 foreign journalists to cover the two sessions have provided us with invaluable journalism experiences at an international level by engaging with fellow journalist professionals.
Other major events to look forward to later in the year include the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled for this September, China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November and celebrations on the 40th anniversary of China's Reform and Opening-up.
FOCAC was founded in 2000 to provide a forum for political dialogues and cooperation between China and Africa.
Based on the principle of comprehensive strategic partnership, the cooperation covers all areas spanning long-term development for both sides.
The cooperation's approach has shifted from just trading in goods to production capacity cooperation with business communities spearheading initiatives ahead of the Governments.
At the 2015 Johannesburg Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping, announced ten China-Africa cooperation plans for African countries.
Beijing has extended aid and loans to Africa mainly for infrastructure and productive projects which include ports, railways, highways, textile factories, concrete factories, steel mills to create jobs for locals in Africa and boost local fiscal revenue.
The Chinese Government has assisted countries including Zimbabwe whose Kariba South Hydro Power Station has been extended, adding 300 Megawatts to the national grid. Beijing has also helped in building railways in Kenya (Nairobi to Mombasa), Nigeria (Abuja to Kaduna), Ethiopia (Addis Ababa to Djibouti), industrial parks and other infrastructure.
In Mozambique, Beijing is building the Maputo Catembe Bridge, Africa’'s largest suspension bridge while in Ghana they have provided a US$50 million to construct a multi-purpose Fishing Port Complex.
These are just a few of the many projects that have been spearheaded with China-Africa cooperation. And as we can see for ourselves, China continues to embark on the path of friendship with Africa while encouraging all Africans to come and see the real China for themselves.
(The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Panview or CCTV.com. )
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