Hunan Province a powerhouse.

By VIOLET MENGO

Changsha, China

I arrived in Changasha in Hunan  Province today June 9, 2025 for a five day tour of the province under the media fellowship of the China International Press Communication Centre (CIPCC).

Hunan is located in the central part of China and in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Since most of its area is south of Dongting Lake, it is called “Hunan”.

The Xiangjiang River, the larges river in the province, runs through the whole territory, so it is shortly called “Xiang”,

Since the ancient times, hibiscus has been widely planted in Hunan. Mao Zedong even praised Hunan with a poem. “The land of hibiscus is bathed in the morning sun”, so it is also known as the “land of Hibiscus”.

Hunan is the hometown of great men and a place that has produced numerous military leaders. It has magnificent mountains and rivers and profound cultural heritage.

With a population of over 73 million, ranking eighth in China, its total area is 211, 800 square kilometres, ranking 10^th in China.

In 2024, its regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 5.3 trillion yuan ranking 10^th in China, with a year-on-year growth of 4.8 percent. The economic development shows the characteristics of “overall stability steady progress, structural optimisation and improved quality”.

Hunan has several characteristics. First, it faces unprecedented strategic opportunities. Since the 18^th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has visited Hunan four times.

Strategic opportunities such as jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and high-quality development in central China are intertwined.

National level platforms like the Hunan Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Pilot Zone for In Depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation and the World Computing Conference are gathering momentum.

Second, it has a solid industrial foundation. Hunan has six trillion- yuan industries, 16 hundred-billion-yuan industries and five national advanced manufacturing clusters.

The “4x4” modern industrial system is being accelerated, the low-altitude economy has created the Hunan model, green intelligent computing is accelerating its layout and the Intelligent empowerment for the ten thousand Enterprises” initiative is helping ten thousand enterprises take off.

Third, it has abundant innovation momentum. Hunan, ranking 5^th in China, the number of full-time students is 1.9 million, ranking 8^th in China. It boasts 3 “985 project universities, ranking third in China. The “4X4” Science and Technology Innovation Project is in full operation, the “1 +2” national laboratory system is being accelerated, the construction of Changsha as a global Research and Development hub and Xiangjiang Science City is in full swing. The investment in research and development funds of the whole society ranks nineth in China and second in central China.

Fourth, its investment environment has been upgraded. Expressways form a network, high speed railway form a loop and transportation hubs have taken shape. 

Electricity, computing power and power are providing efficient support . The Five-Good Parks are full of vitality, the Garden Hibiscus” fund is integrating forces and the Send Policies Solve Difficulties Services” action is helping enterprise wholeheartedly.

The business environment has achieved a three-year-level leap. The whole province and Changsha city continue to rank among the top in China and first in central China and western China.

I am glad to have visited Hunan Province for the second time, first being in 2012.

#chinadiaries #CIPCC #environmentaljournalist #traveldiaries #knowchina

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): Benefits for Zambia

By VIOLET MENGO

Beijing, China

THE Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2025 meeting starts on June 10, 2025 in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will attend the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will also attend the opening ceremony of the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo.

 For Zambia, the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry  Chipoka Mulenga is expected to attend the  2025 FOCAC.

FOCAC is a pivotal platform for diplomatic and economic engagement between China and African nations.

The FOCAC Beijing Summit was successfully held in September last year. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony of the summit and delivered a keynote speech. China and Africa reached extensive common understandings on joining hands to advance modernization and building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Established on October 2000, in Beijing, China, as a multilateral platform to strengthen diplomatic, economic and developmental ties between China and African nations, FOCAC aims to strengthen cooperation through dialogue, trade, investment and infrastructure development.

Since its inception, FOCAC has become a key mechanism for fostering Sino-African relations, promoting trade, investment and infrastructure development.

FOCAC was officially launched during the first Ministerial Conference held in Beijing from October 10–12, 2000.

Representatives from 44 African countries and Chinese leaders attended, setting the foundation for structured cooperation.

Since then, FOCAC summits have been held every three years, alternating between China and Africa. 

It operates under several core objectives including enhancing political cooperation where high-level diplomatic exchanges, promoting mutual understanding and policy alignment between China and African nations is fostered. 

The cooperation also boosts trade and investment where the forum encourages Chinese investments in Africa while facilitating African exports to China through tariff reductions and trade agreements. 

Infrastructure development is a major focus of FOCAC and the focus is on financing and constructing of roads, railways, ports and energy projects to drive economic growth. 

China supports African nations in developing manufacturing and processing industries to reduce reliance on raw material exports through industrialisation and job creation.

FOCAC has promoted education, healthcare and skills training through scholarships, medical missions and technology transfers in its social and human development objective.  

To ensure sustainable development, China collaborates with African countries on green energy projects, climate resilience and environmental protection. 

The reasons for the formation of FOCAC was to strengthen Diplomatic and Political ties. China sought to expand its global influence by deepening relations with Africa, a continent with significant geopolitical importance.

By establishing FOCAC, China aimed to counter western dominance: At the time, Western nations held considerable economic and political sway in Africa.

FOCAC provided an alternative partnership model based on mutual respect and "win-win" cooperation. 

Both China and African nations belonged to the Global South and FOCAC became a platform for collective bargaining in international affairs. 

China’s rapid industrialisation in the late 20th century created a demand for raw materials, which Africa possessed in abundance. FOCAC facilitated. 

African countries like Zambia (copper), Angola (oil), and the DRC (cobalt) became key suppliers for China’s growing economy. 

Before FOCAC, China-African trade was relatively small. The forum helped formalise trade agreements, leading to exponential growth—trade surged from $10 billion in 2000 to over $200 billion by 2023. 

Many African nations lacked adequate infrastructure, hindering economic growth. China, with its expertise in large-scale construction, used FOCAC to finance and build critical projects such as roads, railways, ports and energy plants through Chinese loans and grants. 

For enhanced regional connectivity, projects like the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) and Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway improved intra-African trade.

African economies were (and still are) heavily reliant on raw material exports. FOCAC was designed to encourage value addition. China invested in manufacturing and processing plants in Africa, such as Zambia’s copper refineries. 

FOCAC was established to transfer technology and skills through training programs and industrial parks which have been established to boost local expertise. 

China used FOCAC to position itself as a reliable partner, contrasting with Western conditional aid. Its key strategies included debt relief and grants. Unlike traditional lenders, China offered flexible financing terms.

China offered humanitarian aid where medical teams, scholarships and disaster relief improved China’s image in Africa. 

Zambia, as one of Africa’s key partners with China, has significantly benefited from FOCAC initiatives, particularly in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and social development. 

The country has been an active participant in FOCAC since its inception. The country’s strategic location and rich mineral resources make it a key partner for China in Southern Africa.

Over the years, Zambia has secured numerous investments and development projects under FOCAC frameworks. 

One of Zambia’s most significant gains from FOCAC has been infrastructure modernisation. Chinese-funded projects under infrastructure development are roads and bridges.

The Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport expansion and the Kafue Hook Bridge have improved connectivity and trade. 

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), though initially built in the 1970s, has seen rehabilitation support from China to enhance regional trade. 

The Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, financed by China, has boosted Zambia’s electricity generation capacity under the energy projects.

In the mining and economic diversification, Zambia’s economy heavily relies on copper mining and Chinese investments have revitalized the sector.

Companies like China Non-Ferrous Metals Mining Corporation (CNMC) operate mines in Zambia, providing jobs and technology transfers.

Additionally, FOCAC has encouraged value addition in mining, with Chinese firms investing in copper processing plants to reduce raw mineral exports. 

Through FOCAC, Zambia has benefited from agricultural modernisation initiatives to ensure food security. China has provided farming technology through training programs and machinery to improve productivity. 

The establishment of agricultural parks, such as the China-Zambia Agricultural Demonstration Centre, has enhanced crop yields and agribusiness opportunities.

In the education sector and Skills Development, FOCAC has facilitated educational exchanges, with thousands of Zambian students receiving scholarships to study in China.

Additionally, vocational training centres, such as the Zambia-China Vocational College, equip Zambians with technical skills in engineering, Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), and manufacturing. 

China has been instrumental in improving Zambia’s healthcare system through medical teams where Chinese doctors regularly work in Zambian hospitals, offering specialised care. 

The construction of the Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital in Lusaka was supported by China.  During COVID-19, China donated vaccines and medical supplies to Zambia for pandemic response.

Under FOCAC, Zambia has seen increased trade with China, exporting copper, tobacco and gemstones while importing machinery and electronics.

The Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, established in 2007 hosts over 60 companies and has created thousands of jobs. 

Despite the benefits, some concerns remain, including debt sustainability and ensuring that investments align with Zambia’s long-term development goals.

Moving forward, Zambia must negotiate favourable terms under FOCAC to maximise gains in industrialisation, job creation and technology transfer. 

FOCAC has played a transformative role in Zambia’s development, particularly in infrastructure, mining, agriculture and social services.

While challenges persist, the partnership continues to offer immense opportunities for economic growth and regional integration.

With strategic planning, Zambia can further leverage FOCAC to achieve sustainable development and prosperity. 

Over two decades later, FOCAC remains a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, driving development projects across the continent—including Zambia’s infrastructure boom and industrial growth.

While debates over debt sustainability persist, FOCAC’s role in reshaping Africa’s economic landscape is undeniable. 

 

 

Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant Company Limited: A Leader in China’s Coffee Industry 

VIOLET MENGO

Beijing, China

ONE of the highlights of my trip to Yunnan Province was visiting Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant Company Limited, a key player in China’s coffee industry. 

Yunnan produces over 95 percent of China’s coffee, with regions like Pu’er, Baoshan, Dehong, and Xishuangbanna being major growing areas. 

The province is renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, attracting global brands like Starbucks, Nestlé, and Illy.  

Company Background  

Established in 1992 as a joint project between the Chinese Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant was China’s first modern coffee processing factory. 

Now a subsidiary of Yunnan Provincial Modern Agricultural Development Group, the company has over 30 years of experience in coffee processing.  

As a vice president unit of the Yunnan Coffee Industry Association, the company helps draft national coffee standards.

Its mission—“Revitalising agriculture with green development and benefiting the country and the people”—reflects its commitment to sustainability and quality.  

Processing Methods 

Yunnan’s coffee processing plants use three main methods:  

1. Washed (Wet) Processing – Common for export-grade beans, involving pulp removal and fermentation before drying.  

2. Natural (Dry) Processing – Cherries are dried whole, producing sweeter, fruitier flavors.  

3. Honey (Pulped Natural) Processing – A hybrid method where some mucilage is left on the beans for enhanced sweetness.  

Some specialty processors also experiment with anaerobic fermentation and other advanced techniques.  

Key Players and Brands 

- Starbucks Yunnan Coffee Project – Partners with local farmers to improve quality.  

- Nestlé Yunnan Coffee Development Program– Provides training and sources beans for instant coffee.  

- Local Brands – ManLao River Coffee(specialty-grade), AiNi Coffee (well-known Yunnan producer), and Sealanda (exporter).  

Challenges and  Future Trends  

Despite progress, challenges remain:  

- Quality Control – Many processors still focus on bulk commercial coffee, though specialty coffee is growing.  

- Sustainability Efforts– Farms are adopting eco-friendly methods like water-saving pulpers and solar drying.  

- Rising Domestic Demand – Chinese consumers are increasingly drinking locally produced specialty coffee.  

Yunnan Coffee Processing Plant Company Limited represents the evolution of China’s coffee industry, blending tradition with innovation. With growing global recognition and a focus on sustainability, Yunnan is set to become an even bigger name in specialty coffee.  

 June 5, 2025

World Environment Day: A Call to Action for a Healthier Planet 

By VIOLET MENGO

As we celebrate World Environment Day today, the urgency to protect our planet has never been greater.

Climate change, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss threaten the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

But amid these challenges lies an opportunity—a chance to rewrite our future through collective action. 

World Environment Day is not just a reminder of our environmental crises, it’s a global movement empowering individuals, communities and nations to take meaningful steps toward sustainability.

This World Environment Day, the spotlight is on one of the most pressing environmental crises of our time: “Ending Plastic Pollution: A call to Action”

Every year, over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally and a staggering 11 million tonnes end up in oceans, choking marine life, contaminating food chains and polluting ecosystems for centuries. 

But here’s the good news: We can change this. 

🔹Less than 10 percent of plastic is recycled—the rest lingers in landfills, rivers and oceans. 

🔹 Microplastics are now found in our blood, water, and even the air we breathe. 

🔹 Plastic production fuels climate change, relying on fossil fuels and emitting greenhouse gases. 

This is not just an environmental issue—it’s a human health crisis. 

We won’t solve plastic pollution overnight, but every step counts.

You can be part of the solution by:

Refuse Single-Use Plastics – Say no to straws, plastic bags and disposable cutlery. Opt for reusable alternatives. 

Choose sustainable packaging – Support brands that use biodegradable or refillable containers. 

Recycle Right – Learn your local recycling rules to prevent contamination. 

Demand Change – Push for stronger policies on plastic bans and corporate accountability. 

Join Clean-ups – Participate in local beach, river, or neighborhood clean-ups. 

Individual actions matter, but we need governments and corporations to act faster: 

✅ Strict bans on unnecessary single-use plastics. 

✅ Investment in circular economies—where plastic is reused, not wasted. 

✅ Global treaties (like the UN’s Plastic Pollution Agreement) to hold polluters accountable. 

            Hope in Action

From zero-waste communities to innovative plastic-eating enzymes, solutions are emerging. The question is: Will we act in time? 

This World Environment Day, let’s commit to breaking free from plastic. Our planet shouldn’t pay the price for our convenience. 

#WorldEnvironmentDay #BeatPlasticPollution #PlanetVsPlastic #EndPlasticWaste #SustainableLiving