Li Ming/China Daily
China’s National Day serves as a model for countries in the Global South seeking economic transformation
China’s National Day, celebrated on October 1, commemorates the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The first celebration took place in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, where Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China and hoisted the People’s Republic of China’s first national flag. New China.
Since then, National Day has become a major holiday in China, with grand parades, fireworks, and various cultural and patriotic events. The holiday marks the beginning of a week-long holiday known as “Golden Week” since 1999, during which many Chinese travel domestically and internationally. Over the years, the National Day holiday has evolved into one that not only celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China, but also reflects China’s rapid development and achievements. It is a reminder of the country’s journey from a war-torn country to a global economic powerhouse, fostering a sense of national pride and unity among the Chinese people and joining countries in the Global South striving for economic development. Become a role model. conversion.
China’s rise from one of the world’s poorest countries to a global economic powerhouse is a remarkable journey that is celebrated globally. This transformation, which began with the transition to a market economy in 1978, offers valuable lessons for South-South cooperation, especially for African countries striving to maximize economic transformation in the current post-colonial era. .
Before 1978, China faced serious economic challenges. China’s GDP per capita was about $156, less than a third of the average for sub-Saharan African countries, which at the time was about $490. Exports accounted for only 4.1% of GDP, while imports accounted for 5.6%. A whopping 75 percent of exports were agricultural products or processed agricultural products, indicating that the economy at the time was dependent on agriculture. Approximately 81 percent of the population lived in rural areas, and more than 70 percent of the workforce was engaged in agriculture. Additionally, 84 percent of the population lived below the international poverty line.
Economic reforms that began in 1978 set China on a path of rapid growth and development. In subsequent decades, the average annual growth rate of GDP was a staggering 9%, and the average annual growth rate of foreign trade was 14%. As a result of these reforms, China has achieved several important milestones. By 2010, China was the world’s second largest economy and largest exporter, with more than 95% of exports being manufactured goods. By 2021, China’s GDP per capita rose to $12,551.
The recently concluded Third Plenum of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasized deepening reforms to promote China’s modernization, focusing on economic development, innovation, urban-rural integration, and improving people’s welfare. It was done. The main goals include establishing a high-level socialist market economy by 2035 and building a great modern socialist state by 2049.
Looking ahead, China aims to complete important reform tasks by the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 2029.
These past achievements and future plans offer several important lessons for African countries. Adopting market-oriented reforms can foster significant economic growth. Moving from an agriculture-based economy to an economy focused on manufacturing and services can increase economic stability and growth. Active participation in global trade can enhance economic performance. Improving access to education and health care is critical to sustainable development. Investment in infrastructure can boost economic activity and attract foreign investment.
The wave of independence that swept across Africa in the mid-20th century marked an important turning point in the continent’s history. Between 1957 and 1962, many African countries gained independence from their colonial masters, starting with Ghana in 1957, setting a precedent for other countries to follow. In 1960, often referred to as the “Year of Africa,” 17 countries gained sovereignty. The independence struggle was characterized by a mix of peaceful negotiations and violent conflict, reflecting the diverse experiences of African countries as they sought to regain autonomy and identity. Among African countries, Ethiopia and Liberia stand out as unique cases. Ethiopia resisted colonization by European powers and maintained its sovereignty except for a brief occupation by Italy from 1936 to 1941. Founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves, Liberia also avoided colonization and established itself as a republic in 1847. The ability of these countries to maintain independence amid widespread colonization highlights their unique historical and geopolitical circumstances that have enabled them to weather the pressures of imperialism differently than their neighbors. I’m doing it.
The post-independence era in Africa was a time of great change and challenges. Newly independent states faced difficult challenges in building stable governments, promoting economic development, and addressing social inequality. Despite these challenges, many African countries have made remarkable progress, leveraging their independence to pursue their development goals and strengthen their positions on the world stage. The experiences of Ethiopia and Liberia continue to inspire contemporary efforts towards self-determination and sustainable development across the continent, alongside broader decolonization movements.
As African countries celebrate their National Days, they can draw inspiration from China’s experience to chart their own paths towards economic prosperity and global integration. By learning from China’s successes and challenges, African countries can use their independence to build strong, diverse, and resilient economies that benefit all their citizens and everyone else; We can make our aspirations for southern cooperation a reality.
The author is a PhD student at Peking University, former Minister of Planning and Development of Ethiopia, and former Secretary General of the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Sectoral Associations. The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank supported by China Daily.
Please contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.
