Ambassador of China to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa
China will not relent in its efforts to support Ghana in diverse ways to drive growth and development, the Ambassador of China to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has stated.
China is Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, with bilateral trade volume reaching as high as $11.84 billion in 2024.
While Ghana primarily exports raw materials to China, it imports a wide range of manufactured goods.
On the back of an increase in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 to CNY 134.9 trillion (approximately USD 18.4 trillion), a 5 per cent year-on-year increase under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Asian giant is poised to provide even more aid to spur development in Ghana.
“China stands ready to strengthen exchanges and collaboration with Ghana in economic development and social governance, working jointly to further develop the China-Ghana strategic partnership,” Ambassador Defa noted.
“The enduring friendship between our two nations has yielded fruitful cooperation across various fields. The successful convening of China’s ‘Two Sessions’ sends positive signals to African countries, including Ghana. Africa is the land of hope in the 21st century, for there can be no modernisation of the world without Africa’s modernisation.”
In March, the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also known as the ‘Two Sessions’, were successfully concluded in Beijing.
The ‘Two Sessions’ are convened annually in Beijing, bringing together nearly 5,000 NPC deputies and CPPCC members representing diverse ethnic groups, regions and political parties across the country.
President Xi Jinping engaged in discussions with deputies on state affairs, jointly charted the development course, and formulated blueprints for China’s progress in the New Era.
Sharing insights with MyJoyOnline, Ambassador Defa highlighted China’s modernisation of a huge population, targeting common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical advancement, harmony between humanity and nature, and peaceful development.
“China’s economy has shown resilience, the Chinese market holds vast potential, and Chinese enterprises are brimming with vitality. China also possesses the courage to confront risks and challenges head-on and the confidence to resolve issues effectively. According to the Report on the Work of the Government 2025, we have set the target of GDP growth of around 5 per cent this year with confidence,” he pointed out.
A key area of interest is science and technology innovation, and the Chinese envoy made it clear that his country’s innovation capacity has achieved breakthroughs in recent years, with notable advances in integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and quantum technology.
Groundbreaking developments have emerged across multiple frontiers, particularly in humanoid robotics and DeepSeek.
The value added by high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing rose by 8.9 per cent and 7.7 per cent respectively, and the output of new-energy vehicles surpassed the 13 million mark.
“Promoting integrated advancement in technological and industrial innovation” has been adopted to meet China’s overall requirement for economic and social development.
“This strategic deployment not only demonstrates China’s precise grasp of the new development paradigm but also highlights its firm resolve to steer industrial and economic transformation and upgrading through innovation-driven approaches.
“The nation’s shift to smart manufacturing will drive science and technology innovations to deliver more benefits to Global South countries,” he outlined.
For him, regardless of changes in the external environment, “China will remain steadfast in our commitment to opening up”.
China ranks among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, continuing to contribute about 30 per cent to global economic growth.
“In the face of counter-globalisation undercurrents that defy economic laws, China has steadfastly sent positive signals to the world, delivering a reassuring message to partners,” he noted.
In 2024, China’s total import and export volume reached CNY 43.85 trillion (approximately USD 6 trillion), marking a year-on-year increase of 5 per cent.
The increase of USD 290 billion in foreign trade equates to the annual trade volume of a medium-sized economy.
The Chinese government has said it remains committed to an independent foreign policy of peace, staying on the path of peaceful development, and firmly pursuing a mutually beneficial opening-up strategy.
“We oppose hegemonism and power politics, reject all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, and uphold international fairness and justice.
As stated by Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, at the ‘Two Sessions’ press conference:
“China is a natural member of the Global South. No matter how the international landscape evolves, we will always keep the interests of the Global South close at heart, remain rooted in the Global South, and join fellow developing countries in writing a new chapter in humanity’s development.”
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