Phiri calls for development of local manufacturing sector
Phiri calls for development of local manufacturing sectorBy Joan Chirwa
Friday December 14, 2007 [03:00]
China will continue to dominate our markets as long as Zambia fails to develop its manufacturing sector, Global Justice Zambia director John Phiri has said. Phiri said Zambia’s weak industrial base was behind the increased dumping of Chinese goods on the local market.
He however said China’s strategy towards Africa’s development, which had proved to be stronger than that of Europe, had accommodated a number of people still living in extreme poverty.
“I think its time we critically looked at why we are getting the kind of Chinese products seen on the market. About 80 per cent of people in Zambia still live in poverty and I don’t think we are proving worthwhile than the Africa-Europe partnership. China’s strategy accommodates all groups, from the poorest to the richest citizens,” Phiri said.
“We should not expect China to be giving us more of high quality products because very few can afford them since a high number of people still live in poverty.
It is very important that Africa understands that China has a strategy that is different from Europe in terms of assistance.”
Phiri, who represented African youths at the European Union/Africa civil society forum in Lisbon, last month, said Europe was now realising how powerful China had become in terms of assisting African countries.
He urged the EU to rethink its strategy for Africa and ensure that its partnership with African countries benefited all groups for people in society.
“The fact is that Europe has no raw materials and it depends on Africa. It is therefore important that Europe changes its focus in its partnership with Africa so that many people can benefit from the co-operation,” Phiri said.
“During our EU-Africa civil society meetings, I foresaw a situation where Europe is panicking because of China’s presence in Africa. There is a paradigm shift in power and China is increasingly becoming an economic monster.”
Labels: CHINA, GLOBAL JUSTICE ZAMBIA, MANUFACTURING
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