Sharing the Premium of China’s Economic Growth with the World
Covid-19, the widest spread pandemic in the past 100 years, has posed serious threats to the life and health of human beings worldwide and thrust the global economy into the deepest recession since the World War II. Faced with this sudden and abrupt crisis, China, under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government, was the first to fight against the pandemic, and to have contained it and achieved economic recovery, thus providing the world with impetus and confidence in the fight against Covid-19 and in economic recovery. By the end of 2020, China's GDP topped RMB 101.6 trillion (US$14.7 trillion), and its share in the world economy increased to 17%. With its annual economic growth rate at 2.3%, China is the only major economy in the world registering positive growth last year, leading the world in pandemic prevention and control and economic recovery.
This achievement is hard-won.At the beginning of 2020, there was a time when 1.4 billion Chinese people had to stay at home to fight the pandemic, just like a “pause” button being pressed down in social and economic activities, and consequently China's GDP plummeted sharply by 6.8% in the first quarter. However, China effectively controlled the pandemic in the shortest time by decisively adopting the most comprehensive, stringent and thorough prevention and control measures in face of the raging pandemic, laying a solid foundation for economic recovery. For the rest of the year China had been actively pursuing various policies to resume and restore economic activities, such as strengthening employment, promoting investment and consumption, stabilizing foreign trade and foreign investment, stabilizing the industrial chain etc. to counterbalance the negative impact of the Pandemic. The exemption or cut in taxes and fees reached more than RMB 2.5 trillion (US $370 billion) throughout the year while loans for small and micro businesses increased by more than 30%. Priority was given to ensuring the employment and basic livelihood of residents, and more than 11 million new jobs were created in urban areas. China also step up efforts to ensure food and energy security and to stabilize the industrial supply chain. Relying on scientific decision-making and precise policy implementation, China's economy has shown strong resilience by presenting a V-shaped growth curve.
The Pandemic has also speeded up the changes that the world is undergoing unseen in the last century. The international trade has shrunk sharply, cross-border investment activities have been significantly suppressed, and the traditional industrialization process has been hindered. Furthermore, some countries have implemented “decoupling” in the economic, financial and technological fields due to ideological prejudices, and engaged in “small circles” and “new cold wars”, which has not only caused more serious
globalization imbalances, but also aggravated the division of the international community. When attending the World Economic Forum “Davos Agenda” dialogue meeting on January 25, President Xi Jinping pointed out that the problems facing the world are intricate and complex. The way out of them is through upholding multilateralism and building a community with a shared future for mankind. China will continue to take an active part in international cooperation on Covid-19, implement a win-win strategy of opening-up, promote sustainable development, advance science, technology and innovation, and promote a new type of international relations. It serves no one's interest to use the pandemic as an excuse to reverse globalization and go for seclusion and decoupling. As a longstanding supporter of economic globalization, China is committed to following through on its fundamental policy of openingup. China will continue to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, help keep the global industrial and supply chains smooth and stable, and unleash the potential of the huge China market and enormous domestic demand to give further impetus to global economic recovery and growth.
The year 2021 marks the launch of China's 14th Five-Year Plan. Foreseeing the new changes in the internal and external situations in the postPandemic era, China will foster a new development paradigm with domestic circulation as the mainstay and domestic and international circulations reinforcing each other. This is not only a strategic plan to inject new impetus into the development of the world economy, but also a new mechanism for China to make greater contributions to the world
economy.
Domestic circulation being the mainstay, is by no means a closed loop only circulating domestically, but an open cycle dually circulating both domestically and internationally.The new development paradigm will enable China to fully unlock its market potential, and to open up wider and share more opportunities with other countries. This also means that China's economy will shift from a long-term dependence on exports and investment to a new consumption-driven economic growth model. China has a population of 1.4 billion and a middle-income group that exceeds 400 million. China's retail market reached six trillion dollars in size last year. Total import into China is estimated to top 22 trillion US dollars in the coming decade. China is the world's largest growth market, and the new dual-cycle development paradigm will lead the world economy to continue to grow and open up. According to OECD's forecast in December 2020, China will contribute to over one third of the world economic growth in 2021.
Global businesses have reached a consensus that the Chinese market has become a market of the world, and a market shared by all. The new economic development paradigm of dual-cycle mutual promotion provides other countries with broad markets and development opportunities. This was fully reflected in the two large-scale events in early November last year in China. More than 150 countries participated in the 3rd China International Import Expo, and the total turnover exceeded US$70 billion. The large-scale shopping carnival, Tmall's “Double 11” event attracted 25,000 overseas enterprises. During the event, the transaction volume reached 74 billion US dollars. There were 470 foreign companies with a transaction volume of more than RMB 100 million, of which American companies accounted for the majority. China is becoming a high-end consumer market for countries all over the world to strive into.
Being good brothers and partners, China and Africa always pursue a shared future. In 2020, China and Africa's friendship has become even stronger through the ordeal of Covid-19. The Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity against Covid-19, successfully held between Chinese President Xi Jinping and African leaders further strengthened our friendship. China's State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to five Africa countries in early January 2021 reflects the long-held tradition for over 30 years that each year Chinese Foreign Ministers choose Africa as the first overseas visit destination. Under the framework of the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation, the two sides have drafted and implemented the Ten Cooperation Plans and the Eight Major Initiatives.The two-way trade has grown 20-fold and China's direct investment in Africa has grown 100-fold in the last 20 years. China has become the largest trading partner and major investor in most African countries. China has by far signed Belt and Road agreements with 46 African countries. The official launch of the African Continental Free Trade Area this year is another milestone in the process of African economic integration. China stands ready to work with Africa to engage the development strategies of both sides, support Africa's infrastructure construction, support Africa's industrialization process, support Africa's enhancement of independent development capabilities, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future.
China and Namibia enjoy long-standing friendship and we have forged a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership relationship. In recent years, China-Namibia economic cooperation has developed rapidly and China has become the largest source of investment and the largest export market for Namibia. China's investment projects in Namibia, such as China's largest single investment project in Africa, the Husab Uranium Mine, have largely enhanced the employment and economic development for local people. Chinese consumers have also tasted high-quality beef and oysters products from Namibia. Namibia is a country with huge development potential and China is willing to push our bilateral relations to a new high by further strengthening cooperation with Namibia in infrastructure construction, agriculture, industrial parks, energy and other sectors, help to accelerate the process of industrialization and agricultural modernization etc. I also sincerely look forward to it that more high-quality Namibian products will enter Chinese market in the near future!
Since Covid-19 hit, many concerts, art events and festivals have been taking place online. However, almost one in two people globally cannot access them due to issues such as lack of internet connectivity, according to UNESCO estimates.
In Namibia, it is no different as some artists last year pulled off some online shows just to stay relevant while some have found the going tough. By the look of things, if things don’t get back to normal, entertainers could or would have to look elsewhere just to earn a living as their livelihood depends on live performances.
Eldazz Eldicko Geiseb group member of Tswazis told Entertainment Now! that it’s sad that they are facing such a situation as artists since last year. “Unfortunately, there’s no way we can make a show with only 50 people without sponsorship. Organising a live show or even an online show will cost one a lot of money, hence we’ve been focusing on making more music and strategising on how to go about everything once this pandemic is over.”
Eldazz revealed that the group wanted to release a new album last year but unfortunately, they couldn’t due to restrictions because they can’t release an album and not push it all over the country. “We are hopeful things will get better sooner so we can continue with our plans. For now, we’ll be focusing on singles just to keep our fans happy. We focusing on our clothing line and other means of incomes currently.” he explained.
Singing sensation Adora said it has been a challenging period for her, taking into consideration her royalty payments was not what she expected from Nascam. “I’m one of the fortunate ones that could stay with my parents for that time to get by. Towards the end of November, I got an influencer deal with a bank which put me in a more comfortable situation.”
Adora feels some creatives have come up with innovative ways to make some money even though it’s not as much as it used to be in the past, which means entertainers have adapted to the new normal. “One way or the other, circumstances will force us to be more creative to put bread on the table. I am finalising a business plan which will allow me to venture into other things except for music,” she said.
In terms of releasing new music or album this year, she said it still depends on how the pandemic will continue. “Honestly, I don’t think it’s something I want to go into but I have released a new single called ‘Mbekusuvera’ which will be out on the radio soon,” she said.
Award-winning Namibian stand-up comedian Mich Gaoseb, better known as Big Mitch said he has lost hundreds of thousands since Covid-19 hit the country last year. Mitch’s plan B will either force him to get an eight to five job or open a business. “This will be very hard really, I don’t even want to think about this, that’s our main source and if corporates at least collaborate with us we can write them adverts or so but if not 80% of us might be forced to look for a job,” he stressed.
The comedian/rapper feels the best option for entertainers right now if the situation worsens is that corporates try and collaborate with them on the marketing side of things.
“Only some will survive, most will fade away. That’s why I am hoping to be dropping an album with the Lil Swartbooi character by end of March and also keeping the character as another source of income,” he pointed out.
Mitch also advised artists who are not financially stable to hold back on their albums as they cost a lot of money just as music videos.
K-Legend whose real name is Kamwi Victor Manvwali on his part says he is not the biggest superstar but corona came without notice but he has learned to create opportunities for himself.
“I dropped an album last year online it’s available on YouTube and it was a big loss. I’ll stick to dropping singles and push the songs on an international level. I dropped an album last year during the time of corona, so I can’t predict what will happen this year.”
“We are all superstars in this industry but the greatest have to come up on top. Corona got everybody hungry but for me, I see opportunities, I’ll be focusing more on my singles on songs and working on the Tikka Tikka Gang Project,” he concluded.
061Music released the ‘The Area Code’ compilation in 2016, with the album helping to introduce new signee and underground rap legend Maniak Tukondjeni to 061Music fans.
Maniak has since released his 8-track solo project, ‘The Turalistik EP’, in 2020 with the single, ‘The Lingo’ and ‘Pride’ ft. KaniBal, becoming popular tracks.
Now, he brings you his debut offering, titled ‘Last of a Dying Breed’.
“It showcases my ability to be creative with different sounds, combined with my unique style to make music that I am proud of and that stands out,’’ says Maniak.
Maniak held an album-listening session, in collaboration with the ‘Deadly Ground’ platform recently for his brand new album. The event was live-streamed and videos of the event are viewable on the ‘We Are Hip Hop’ Facebook page.
“The event was well received and was an intimate session, with people purchasing the album on sale after having the audio experience of the album,’’ says Maniak.
The production team behind the project was Willy-G, Lucciano, DJ Dozza and KaniBal, who also mixed and mastered the album. The album features industry stalwarts like Mappz on ‘Prove Yourself’ and Nga-I bringing his golden touch on the hook of the title song, ‘Last of a Dying Breed’.
Oom-P’s candescent vocals come through strong on the beautiful song, ‘Sthandwa Sami’.
Don Kamati and Top Cheri collaborate very well with Maniak on a fire track, called ‘Bombastic’.
Labelmate and A&R Sinna-G flows distinctively to the groovy beat of ‘Your Body’, and KaniBal features on the poignant ‘Lost Souls’, while J-Black lends a verse on ‘No Ordinary’.
Maniak illustrates his prowess as a veteran rapper, with the album being a solid project displaying a lyrical talent rarely seen. His music is infused in the fabric of the kasi with a message only too relatable to his growing fanbase.
A mini-series documentary project, titled ‘Maniak Presents Hood 2 Hood - Part 1 and Part 2’, was released and is available for viewing on the ‘061Music’ Facebook page. The miniseries have received more than 10 000 views between them since late release in late January as a prelude to the album release.
“The mini-series is an introduction of Maniak to the game. I am showing my fans where I am from, what inspires me, and what I know how to do best,’’ says Maniak.
“I plan to release music videos to promote the album. I have a street album in the works and I am open to collaborations with other artists as well. I have plans to continue with ‘Hood 2 Hood’ series, having started in Damaralokasie (D-Block); I would like to document the Katutura experience from kasi to kasi. I will be interviewing underground, raw gems like myself,’’ Maniak concluded.
The album is already out and is available on music streaming sites: DonluAfrica. com and Audiomack, and physically at Antonio’s arts and Miami Service Station. Alternatively, one can get a copy of the albums ‘The Turalistik EP’ and debut album ‘Last of a Dying Breed’ exclusively from Maniak for N$100 each.
Catch up with Maniak’s activities on his Facebook page, ‘Maniak Tukondjeni’.