China Daily, March 21, 2025 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia. After thirty-five years of ups and downs, the relationship between the two countries is like a thriving tree, with lush branches and leaves and fruitful fruits, showing vigorous vitality and deep friendship.

Economic cooperation helps common development

China and Namibia have strong complementarity in industrial and trade structure, have a good foundation for cooperation, remarkable results and huge potential for cooperation. According to relevant data, in 2023, the bilateral trade volume was US$1.31 billion, an increase of 16.5% year-on-year, of which my country's exports were US$560 million, an increase of 5.9% year-on-year, and imports were US$750 million, an increase of 25.9% year-on-year. China mainly exports electromechanical products, textiles, furniture, etc. to the Nano, and imports natural uranium and mineral products (lead, manganese, copper ore sand), etc.

According to the website of "Namibia Today", in the retail field, Chinese companies have become an indispensable part of Namibia's urban landscape. Their shops are usually located in bustling areas of Windhoek, Swakopmund and other major towns, providing people with goods that were difficult to find in the past. Over the years, these businesses have not only served the Namibian population, but also provided great convenience for tourists and foreigners who have flocked to the country.

Photo/Xinhua News Agency

In the field of mineral energy, Chinese companies continue to invest in lithium and gold mines, copper smelting and wind power generation projects in Namibia, and continue to expand their cooperation space. For example, China's investment in the Husab and Rosin uranium mine projects in Namibia has created 6,000 jobs, injecting strong impetus into local economic development.

In the manufacturing field, Chinese entrepreneurs have opened factories for the production of textiles, furniture and other necessities, effectively meeting Namibia's demand for locally manufactured products. This industrial growth has had a positive impact on job creation, and many Namibians work in Chinese-funded enterprises in various industries.

Cultural exchange promotes people's mutual understanding

The exchanges between China and Nakada in the humanities such as culture, education, and medical care are also rich and colorful, and have become an important link in the relationship between the two countries. In the report, "Namibia Today" wrote that in Namibia, one of the most prominent manifestations of Chinese culture is Chinese restaurants and culinary traditions. Chinese cuisine has become a common delicacy in many Namibian towns and over time, these restaurants have become gathering places for locals and foreigners, promoting cross-cultural exchanges and understanding.

In addition, traditional Chinese festivals, such as the Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, have also been warmly celebrated in the local community, becoming an important opportunity for Namibians to come into contact with Chinese cultural customs. These festivals usually have traditional Chinese performances, food and decorations, which are deeply loved by people from different backgrounds.

In the heart of Namibia, a yellowed medical record reveals a deep friendship for lasting cooperation. Li Bangwei, captain of China's 15th batch of medical teams to Namibia, recalled a slightly yellowed but well-preserved medical record book that a patient showed him. It was the record when the patient first received treatment from a Chinese doctor nearly 30 years ago. "For us, a small acupuncture needle is not only a tool for curing diseases, but also a bridge of friendship."

At the Frans Nanbinga Art Training Center in Windhoek, Namibia, a Chinese medical team member explained the correct way to wash his hands to the children. (Photo/Xinhua News Agency)

Envoys from both countries and industry insiders said the ongoing health care projects are a microcosm of the extensive cooperation between the two countries in establishing partnerships in various fields and working together to modernize. Since 1996, China has been sending medical teams to Namibia. They are stationed at the Katutula State Hospital in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, specializing in acupuncture and massage therapy, sharing their expertise and the magical effects of traditional Chinese medicine. Li Bangwei and his team have provided treatment to more than 19,000 patients since February 2023 and trained nearly 60 local medical students.

Johanna Kudumo (), a farmer from the eastern region of Kavango, Namibia, participated in a four-day sustainable horticulture training under the South-South Cooperation Project between China and Namibia in February. She highly appreciates the practical approach of the project. "I have been farming for many years, but this training has taught me new ways to increase yields. Knowledge about pest control and compost production is particularly valuable. I am confident that I can apply these techniques to my farm," Kudumo said.

Looking forward to the future and join hands to write a new chapter

As a co-builder of China's Belt and Road Initiative, Namibia has witnessed transformative infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Walvis Bay port and airport upgrades. Namibia's Ambassador to China, Elia stressed that over the past three decades, these projects have greatly enhanced Namibia's connectivity and accessibility. He said: "China has always firmly supported us." Since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in 2018, the relationship between the two countries has been deepening.

In an interview with China Daily, China's Ambassador to Namibia Zhao Weiping said: "China has always attached great importance to developing relations with Namibia and actively promoted friendly exchanges and pragmatic cooperation between the two countries in various fields." He said that the next five years will be a window period for the rapid social and economic development of Namibia, and it will also be an important period for China-Nambian trade and economic cooperation to usher in new opportunities." He believes that the two countries will further explore the potential for cooperation in the fields of energy and minerals, and achieve complementary advantages and mutual benefit and win-win results. In addition to the industry and infrastructure sectors, China's investment in Namibia has also extended to areas such as agriculture and education.

At the same time, analysts pointed out that cooperation between the two countries can set an example for strengthening China-Africa cooperation. Namibian Ambassador to China Elia Kaiyamo praised the "Top Ten Partner Actions" of China-Africa announced at the 2024 China-Africa Cooperation Forum Summit. He believes that "the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation continues to grow." “We (China and Africa) are now on the same starting line. We all need good water, we need to connect, we need to educate our people, and we need to expand our product range,” he said. “China’s action plan addresses these basic needs and is crucial for both Namibia and Africa.”