The 2018 edition of the seminar for renowned Journalists from African countries has opened in the capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing.
The participants are 33 selected Journalists from nine African countries including Ghana, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The three weeks event is sponsored by China’s Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with Ghana’s Ministry of Business Development.
As a sustainable platform, the seminar courses aim to enhance traditional friendship and cooperation between China and other developing countries with Africa being the focus.
The seminar also seeks to promote the human resource and economic development of China and developing countries.
At the opening ceremony, Vice President of the China International Publishing Group (CIPG), Wang Gangyi implored the African media to be objective and always create opportunities for their people.
He emphasised that the African media should inspire, unite, seek consensus, supervise and maintain justice in their respective countries.
“Be mindful that unity and justice are the preconditions of national development. Build bridges between different nationalities but serve the interest of your countries first.”
Mr Gangyi underscored the need for the African media to highlight China’s import and export trade products.
“We want to open up China more to the outside world with developing countries being our focus. China and Africa share common grounds regarding socioeconomic and cultural ideologies.”
“Let’s share ideas to enhance the understanding of cooperation between China and Africa.”
He extolled the efficacy of social media (online journalism) but warned that it should not be abused.
Mr Gangyi said Africa remained China’s primary development partner.
Robert Okwir on behalf of the participants commended China for its immense support to Africa’s economic transformation saying,
“China is a dependable and a trusted development partner. We thank the Chinese government for this media exposure.”
He reaffirmed African media partnership with China to showcase the human and natural resources of developing countries.
Robert Okwir advised African media to avoid sensationalism and tell the African story the right way.
He implored the participants to take advantage of the seminar and form synergies with their Chinese counterparts.
Pre-departure briefing
Ahead of the trip, Ghana’s Minister for Business Development, Dr Mohammed Awal encouraged the Ghanaian delegation to raise the flag of the country high.
He said the government was committed to improving media freedom by creating more opportunities for Ghanaian Journalists around the globe.
According to him, the Chinese government will continue to support Ghana in diverse ways.
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By: Abdul Karim Naatogmah/citinewsroom/Ghana
