Even as China faced huge economic challenges last year, it may have knocked the United States off its perch as the world's largest goods trading nation.
While most of China's imports from Africa continue to be energy products and resources, its exports to the continent are shifting toward high-end products, a trend that will continue, experts say.
Years of effort in upgrading business, especially working with overseas companies on innovation and technology, has greatly helped at least one company better tap the international market amid lower global demand for Chinese energy equipment.
China became the world's biggest trader in goods for the first time last year, overtaking the US for all of 2013. While this is no doubt a creditable achievement, it also has far-reaching implications on other economies.
The country will have succeeded when it is recognized as an advanced, high-end, global trading power
Ethiopia trying to become manufacturing center in Africa on the back of Chinese investment.
Big-ticket infrastructure projects have often been the preferred calling card for Chinese companies in overseas markets like Africa. But with Africa entering a new round of development, many Chinese companies are changing tack and looking to participate in more developmental and societal projects.
Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome believes China's investment in Africa is like a new Marshall Plan that is transforming the fortunes of the continent.
Relations between China and Ethiopia have been special as both nations have ancient civilizations and many common historical experiences. Along with this they also share common goals such as economic development.
With its distinct and relatively independent economic growth model, Ethiopia has a key role to play in the overall development of the African continent. As an African nation never colonized by a foreign power, it offers a rare perspective on how foreign investment, particularly from nations like China, can be used to help foster sustainable development.
The latest book on China's position in the world this century offers a nuanced picture of the country's strengths and weaknesses.
Jonathan Fenby believes China's domestic challenges will make it difficult for it to play a wholly dominant role in the global economy. The veteran China commentator, who was speaking before the publication of his new book, Will China Dominate the 21st Century?, says the country has a number of key weaknesses - particularly in relation to the United States - holding it back.
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