China helps Africa on path to modernization with shared development: president of Republic of Congo

China extends a helping hand to African countries on the path to modernization, making sure that no country is left behind in the journey towards shared development, which is a collective endeavor with profound significance, according to Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo.

Sassou made the remarks in an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV) in early September while he was in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and a state visit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech titled "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future" while attending the opening ceremony of FOCAC on Sept 5.

Xi emphasized in his speech that on the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind.

"First, President Xi Jinping solemnly announced in his keynote speech that all African countries maintaining normal diplomatic relations with China, whether large or small, have their ties elevated to the level of comprehensive strategic partnerships with China. This move demonstrates China's deep care and steadfast support for African countries, especially those with a relatively weak development foundation. Extending a helping hand and moving forward together to make sure that no country is left behind on the path of shared development, this undoubtedly represents a collective endeavor of profound significance," Sassou said.

And this endeavor sends a clear signal to Global South countries that Africa and China have embarked on a new journey together, he noted.

When discussing the fundamental differences between the modernization processes of the West and those represented by developing countries such as China and African countries, the president stated that he has no intention of delving into the modernization process of the West. This is because it stems from a complex historical context, often achieved through the domination and exploitation of other nations.

"Since first setting foot on this land in 1964 until now in 2024, I have personally witnessed the remarkable social progress and leap in modernization achieved by the Chinese people through their own perseverance and cooperation with people around the world under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. In my view, this represents an unprecedented development and modernization model," Sassou said.

China helps Africa on path to modernization with shared development: president of Republic of Congo

Wine companies in Italy are anxious as U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the so-called "reciprocal tariffs," imposing a 20-percent tariff on the European Union.

Giulia D'Alema, head of a family-owned wine business in Italy's Umbria region, is facing significant uncertainty for the upcoming wine sales season following the announcement of tariffs on EU products, including wine.

Her family's 7.5-hectare vineyard has completed its major annual tasks — trimming, tying, and weeding — to ensure healthy grape growth and a fruitful harvest.

However, despite these preparations, D'Alema is troubled by the looming threat of new tariffs on Italian wines exported to the United States.

The United States is a key market for Italian wines, with exports valued at approximately 2 billion euros in 2024 alone.

Yet, the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump has put this vital export market at risk.

"If tariffs are imposed, U.S. importers won't be able to import my wine because selling my rose will no longer be profitable for them. I've already increased production specifically for this (U.S.) market, so now I have to find other ways to absorb this surplus," said D'Alema.

In the wine-producing region of Umbria in central Italy, it is the small and medium-sized wineries that are hit the hardest. Large enterprises can mitigate risks by adjusting their market strategies, but small family-owned businesses often rely on a single market. The imposition of tariffs creates a great deal of uncertainty for their operations.

In 2024, Italy's bottled wine exports to the United States reached 1.94 billion euros. According to calculations by the largest agricultural association in Italy, the Italian Confederation of Farmers (CIA), if tariffs prevent Italian wines from being exported to the United States, Italian wineries could face daily losses of 6 million U.S. dollars.

Trump's 20 pct tariffs on EU raise concerns for Italian wine export