The Two Sessions is not only the most important political event in China, but its deliberations and outcomes are also keenly watched worldwide.  

As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s contribution to the world economic growth has reached 30 percent. People across the globe are watching how the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping will respond to and deal with the challenges emanating from a complex and uncertain international situation. 

If one looks at China's foreign policy, it's all about international cooperation. Its essence lies in dealing with problems and conflicts through negotiation and seeking peace through dialogue. China is, in this context, an extremely strong supporter of the United Nations, its principles, and multilateralism. 

Through its contact with partners around the world, China will, through platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Belt and Road Initiative, and BRICS, continue to play a very important role in working towards peace, stability, economic growth, and development globally. I have no doubt about that. This is also one of the reasons why so many countries are closely watching what is happening in China, especially during the Two Sessions. 

One of the issues that will be discussed at the Two Sessions is how to strengthen the private sector. President Xi met with a group of private sector entrepreneurs on 17 February, which augurs well for the private sector as it will open up new investment opportunities. 

Against the background of increased US tariffs, China is bringing down tariffs on imports from African and other developing countries. China is on the right track, and there will be a lot of other measures and new ideas brought into the governance of China in respect to all these economic sectors, which is good for both China and the world, including Africa. 

The author is Former South African Ambassador and Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Africa Studies, Zhejiang Normal University