China can do more for its African partners than just buying more goods and services.

It can try to involve more of these countries into free trade relations, whether with China's neighbours in East Asia and Southeast Asia, or with other big emerging market countries, such as India and Brazil, and even developed countries.

Learning to be a co-manager of the global trade relations will create an increasing sense of certainty for traders in all countries. Such a favourable global business environment will bring healthy returns to China.

One of the most important ways China can help African countries is assisting in the development programmes. China has plenty of hard-working skilled farmers with various cash crops and managers of small labour-intensive factories.

Such human resources are still not expensive compared to those provided by NGOs and aid organizations from the developed countries, although these Western-based groups may have greater financial expertise and local knowledge.

It would be rewarding if China played a bigger role in Africa's economic and social programmes through multi-lateral efforts with local governments and international organizations.

Recruiting volunteer university graduates to go to Africa with experienced farmers and small factory managers can generate good returns both ways.

In many parts of China, especially in its poor regions, there are a glaring lack of social programmes, adequate leaders and organizers.

Young Chinese intellectuals toughened by experience of working in international programmes can serve as managers of similar programmes when they come home.

1

2

(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)