| The forum statistics showed that China has invested | | | | analysts are worried about the panel's decision, as |
| nearly 1 billion USD since 2000. The ministers from | | | | this could pose threats to elephants. Other top |
| both sides decided to further strengthen their | | | | environmental groups claim that China is yet to |
| relationship on both economical and political grounds. | | | | regulate the ivory trade properly. However, the |
| The trade meetings have been fruitful so far, and | | | | Chinese government dismissed the claim and said it |
| have improved their relationship in many ways. Top | | | | has taken all the steps to eradicate illegal business, |
| Chinese ministers and political advisors have been | | | | and have improved its enforcement of the ivory |
| frequently visiting the African countries to build trust, | | | | trade. |
| and to understand its culture and economy. Last | | | | On the other side the African counterpart too has |
| year, foreign minister Li Zhaoxing visited four major | | | | something to show. The growth of Africa's exports |
| countries in Africa, and shared his views with its | | | | to China has been steadily rising since 1992. Though |
| presidents. | | | | the growth was moderate till 98, after that there |
| This year the Sino-African trade saw some new | | | | has been a sharp increase in the exports. |
| dimensions: agricultural deals; ivory trade; car sales; | | | | With China playing a significant role in Africa's |
| stakes and more. As both these countries are rich in | | | | development, the human rights, on the other hand |
| agricultural resources, China has major investments | | | | questions this act. Analyst Chen-Shen-Yen points that |
| plans to enhance the agricultural trade. Since 1960, | | | | 'China needs energy from Africa'. And others agree |
| China has played effective roles to uplift Africa's agro | | | | with this. Some of them believe that China's strong |
| technology - by sending in 10,000 technicians to train | | | | connection with Africa might be a threat to the |
| African farmers, and introducing innovative programs | | | | western countries, which relies on the continent's rich |
| like large-scale farming, hybrid rice harvesting, and | | | | raw materials. Many researchers believe this could be |
| layers farming. With many other agendas in hand, it is | | | | the race for raw materials. Africa is still rich in this; |
| said that Agriculture will be one of the top priorities. | | | | China is growing rapidly, and it needs resources to |
| To make this happen, recently Chinese delegates | | | | quench its economic thirst. Oil - is one of the prime |
| announced that they have allotted $5 billion USD to | | | | raw materials. Nigeria and Sudan are known for its oil |
| improve the agricultural production in many African | | | | productions. When China supported the Sudanese |
| countries. They said this would also decrease | | | | government, the human rights were quick to point |
| unemployment and poverty, and will encourage | | | | and criticize the move because of the violence in |
| agricultural growth. | | | | Darfur region. |
| Though China's trade with Africa has been there for | | | | With lots of plans and promises, the two nations |
| over fifty years, its magnanimous hand is still under | | | | continue to maintain its economic relationship. The |
| scrutiny. The recent ivory trade is one among them. | | | | skeptical onlookers still mull over to find the real |
| In July, 2008, a panel supported the idea of allowing | | | | motive. Amidst all these hot debates the two |
| China to participate in the ivory trade. Keeping the | | | | countries continue to shake hands. |
| sensitive nature of the business in mind, many | | | | |