ABIDJAN, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's development, particularly in the economic sphere, has dramatically altered global economic dynamics, a scholar and economics expert of Cote d'Ivoire said Sunday.
In an interview with Xinhua, Zan Bi Claude Evariste, a researcher and lecturer at the University of San Pedro, said part of China's success is attributed to the expansion and diversification of markets, coupled with a proactive policy of "international conquest."
Noting that China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 marked a pivotal moment, the expert said "This membership opened the doors of globalization for China, allowing it to expand its export and import capabilities."
He also stressed China's peaceful development, saying the concept of a peaceful emergence was formulated to reassure the international community and foster stable relationships.
Focusing on Cote d'Ivoire, Zan said that "Cote d'Ivoire-China cooperation is in full swing."
Data from the Customs of the West African country indicate that China has been Cote d'Ivoire's main supplier since 2016, holding a market share of 14.8 percent of imports in 2023.
According to data from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral trade in 2023 reached 5.28 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 21 percent year-on-year increase. Chinese exports totaled 4.21 billion dollars, up 23.9 percent, while imports amounted to 1.07 billion dollars, reflecting a 10.6 percent growth.
In September last year, China and Cote d'Ivoire established a strategic partnership. Leaders of the two countries signed a series of agreements to promote their relations.
"These projects include agro-industrial production units and the transfer of skills in digital and communication fields," Zan said. "This dynamic presents an unprecedented opportunity for Cote d'Ivoire to position itself favorably on the international stage while promoting its own development." ■