Madagascar journalist: Strengthening trade with China to boost economic growth

By Elise Nandrasanela, Investigative Journalist, Former Journalist of "Express", Madagascar

The development rate of China and Madagascar was roughly the same in the 1970s. Both were developing countries and were looking for ways out of poverty. But how has China been able to develop so well in the past decades? How was it able to overcome extreme poverty whereas Madagascar has still been looking for ways to achieve sustainable development up to now?

China had its own experience when it comes to development. African countries are very convinced of the strategy adopted by China. What we have noticed is that the method adopted by China is perfectly suited to the development of Africa. Its experiences in investment, financing, infrastructure, economy, trade, and many other fields are perfectly suited to African countries.

In the case of Madagascar in particular, China’s experience in poverty alleviation is simple and affordable for the Malagasy people. The basis of development such as road construction, infrastructure projects like schools, hospitals, and market development are the most essential. The Malagasy and Chinese governments have compared notes and engaged in extensive exchanges regarding possible collaboration between the two countries. But the priority should actually be the implementation of the agreements already signed by the two governments. Implementing many of the agreements already established requires boldness. Win-win cooperation should be respected, so each party can benefit from it at the end, and thus, find practical solutions.

Madagascar did indeed participate in the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing with the attendance of Malagasy President Andry Rajoelina, during which many activities were discussed with Chinese technicians, such as the energy issue to solve the problem of load shedding in Madagascar. China has experience in infrastructures regarding energy. Madagascar is in great need to overcome the problem of electricity insufficiency which is currently raging. There was also the cultivation of hybrid rice to increase farmers’ annual harvest. Madagascar has a vision to fight to achieve food self-sufficiency. In fact, cultivating hybrid rice increases the harvest to reach 8 to 12 tons per hectare, while previously, Malagasy farmers only obtained 2 tons per hectare. Sino-Malagasy cooperation is very palpable and continues to grow.To ensure truly sustainable development, we should further strengthen our efforts and move to implement bilateral agreements, and achieve mutual trust in the process. The people are eager for practical outcomes, and many important projects, such as fishing issues and road construction in several villages, should be brought to fruition. These serious exchanges have already fostered a strong relationship between China and Madagascar over 50 years of diplomatic ties. By further enhancing our cooperation, we can continue advancing on the path towards modernization.

If we look at the experience from the 13th Meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum in Tanzania on March 8, 2024, all African experts were optimistic that China represents a big potential partner for African countries. We can very well strengthen the relationship with China if we want to achieve immediate results. Many African leaders want to seek a new financing model. What is convincing about collaboration with China is that it respects win-win cooperation, it respects the sovereignty of the country, and it does not interfere in the internal management of the country. This is very important in bilateral cooperation because there is no pressure from the investor country regarding the internal management of government, but everyone is free. This freedom constitutes a good relationship between China and Africa.

Long live the Sino-Malagasy relationship. Long live the Sino-African relationship. So that the quest for improving trade between China and Africa can continue and that the sustainable development of each country can materialize.