China boosts African economies, offering a 'second opportunity'

Trade between China and Africa reached a record $55 billion last year, much of it coming from oil and metals.

By Danna Harman

from the June 25, 2007 edition

Page 1 of 4

Rumbek, South Sudan - A bicycle craze has hit South Sudan. And with it, decorative fake flower handlebar bouquets have become all the rage.

"If you have a bicycle, then you need flowers, because they are so beautiful," explains John Dut, a former rebel now working as a security guard for a Danish charity.

Mr. Dut's bouquet of choice: pink and orange. "Sudanese people like nice things," he says.

The brutal 21-year-long civil war, the millions dead or displaced, and the insufferable poverty usually associated with South Sudan are a far cry from the stuff of beauty.

But, today, with a fragile 2-1/2-year peace deal between rebel and government forces holding, roads being built, and commerce trickling in – locals are turning some attention away from survival and toward a few of life's simpler pleasures – like shopping.

Candy-apple-red nail polish is for sale in the market stalls under the acacia trees. Toothpaste and matchboxes are here, too. Soap. Mattresses. Padlocks. Suitcases. Shoes. And the hottest sellers of the moment: shiny Phoenix 10-speed bicycles and their attendant fake flower handlebar decorations.

All of it is made in China.

Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next Page