As the world’s second-largest economy and the largest trading nation, China has been a stabiliser and driving force for the development of the world economy. In the face of unprecedented global changes unseen in a century, how could China maintain the socioeconomic upward trajectory and continue contributing to the recovery of the world economy?

The recent third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded with its Resolution releasing a clear and loud message – that is, to further deepen reform comprehensively.

Reform has always been the key to China’s successful development story. The journey of China’s reform and opening-up began in 1978 with the third plenary session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC. Later, each third plenary session of the CPC central committee always focuses on pushing forward reforms.

China is now advancing towards the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful. To achieve this noble goal, the CPC was determined to raise the banner of reform and open up even higher.

Further deepening reform comprehensively is both a practical continuation of comprehensively deepening reform and a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization on the new journey

The Central Committee of CPC made systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively for the upcoming five years, with emphasis on 14 key reform plans, including building a high-standard socialist market economy, promoting high-quality economic development, supporting all-around innovation, improving macroeconomic governance, and promoting integrated urban-rural development.

As laid out in the Resolution, China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up will now focus on expanding institutional opening-up, foreign trade system reform, foreign investment and outbound investment management, optimising the regional opening-up layout, and improving and promoting high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road mechanism, with relevant policies, action plans and measures to be made and implemented.

The Resolution is not just crucial for China’s future but also hold immense potential benefits for Kenya and the entire African continent. China’s vast market, with over 1.4 billion consumers, provides an unprecedented platform for African businesses to expand their reach.

As China continues to liberalise its markets, African exporters can take advantage of reduced trade barriers, thereby enhancing the continent’s trade in goods and services.

For Kenya, the BRI project aligns perfectly with its Vision 2030 aimed at transforming Kenya into a newly industrialising, middle-income country. Over the years, Kenya has seen revolutionary infrastructure developments by cooperating with China – projects such as the SGR, the Nairobi Expressway, Kipevu Oil Terminal and the GTC in Nairobi have all contributed to the country’s development and people’s well-being. Moreover, Kenyan avocados and anchovies have become important options for the Chinese consumer market.

The Kenya-China Belt and Road Joint Laboratory for Crop Molecular Biology at Egerton University and the Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre at JKUAT provide technology and resource support in crop breeding and personnel training, which had a significant positive impact on the region’s economic growth and job creation.

Educational and cultural exchanges are also key components of China’s high-standard opening-up policy. Through scholarships, professional training programmess, and student exchanges, China and Kenya are fostering human capital development. These initiatives not only equip Kenyans with valuable skills and knowledge but also promote mutual understanding and cultural appreciation.

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. Providing this opportunity, China is ready to join hands with Kenya and other African countries to hold a successful FOCAC and make new contributions to advancing modernisation and building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

 — The writer is China’s  Ambassador to Kenya