Africa must follow China's example

Comment on "China Daily launches Africa Weekly edition" (China Daily, Dec 14)

It's about time the true nature of the win-win relationship between China and Africa was made known to the rest of the world properly, because the Western media are known for distorting the true intention of China's involvement in Africa.

I am an Ethiopian who lives in the United States and I have traveled and worked in China for the last seven years. I have seen firsthand how China has transformed from a country with "third world" lifestyle to a society with economic prosperity akin to the "first world". China has become the second largest economy in the world and has lifted about 60 million people out of poverty in the last 10 years. China is the true partner of African countries and shares a wealth of knowledge with them on how to eradicate poverty and hunger from the continent. I want my country, Ethiopia, to apply the measures China has taken in the last 10 years to lift people out of poverty and achieve fast paced economic growth. I will be happy to go back and follow in China's footsteps for the betterment of my people.

Tekola Wasihun, on China Daily website

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.

(China Daily 01/08/2013 page9)