Gambian VP commends Tianjin Port’s zero-carbon model

Gambian Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow commended north China’s Tianjin Port for its zero-carbon, fully automated terminal as a model of how economic growth can align with environmental protection, saying the experience offers lessons for The Gambia. Tianjin Port, located on the coast of the Bohai Sea, is a major shipping point in north China. Linking over 500 ports in more than 180 countries and regions, it is one of the world top 10 ports, and it is also home to the world’s first fully automated, zero-carbon terminal — proof that economic growth and environmental protection aren’t at odds.

During a recent visit to Tianjin Port, Jallow told China Global Television Network (CGTN) he was struck by its automation and zero-carbon achievements, describing the development model as uniquely impressive. “The level of automation, that is the thing that impressed me most, particularly, I mean as we are realizing that this is the first zero-emission port. We know that climate change is a big problem for all countries, particularly a country like The Gambia, which is just about one meter above sea level. So any little rise of the seas, in fact our capital city will be flooded, will be lost. So I think something like this is something that we can learn from. You cannot separate economic development from environmental protection, because environment protection actually enhances economic development. So that’s why I say, I think zero carbon actually improves economic development,” he said.

On May 1, China introduced zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, becoming the first major economy to take such a step. The policy opens China’s vast market wider to African goods and creates new opportunities for the continent.

The zero-tariff policy has opened new prospects for African exports, and Jallow pointed to The Gambia’s groundnuts as a key beneficiary, thanking China for granting them access to its market.

“For us, our main export crop is actually groundnuts. And in fact I’ll take this opportunity to thank the government of China for allowing our groundnuts to come after a lot of work that will enhance our income of the country. And we hope that, as time goes on, more groundnuts will be exported and cashew nuts, in fact for that matter, will be exported to China,” he said.

Once barren land, Baijitan Forest Farm in Lingwu City, northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, is now a vibrant eco-paradise attracting visitors with its lush scenery and family-friendly activities.

A forest campsite there is drawing families and nature lovers with the combination of eco-friendly recreation, fruit picking, and camping.

Entering the Baijitan forest campsite, visitors find tents scattered beneath dense tree canopies, with tourists chatting or playing with children. Rows of Mongolian Scotch pines flourish on both sides, transforming this former desert area into a relaxing outdoor destination for picking, recreation, and exploring nature.

“Our consistent strategy is minimal intervention — protection first, then development. We’ve tried our best not to make major changes to existing trees, and the whole ecosystem is kept as original as possible. We are sharing this green forest space and its ecology together,” said Zhou Yanyi, campsite manager.

Today, Baijitan Forest Farm continues its business diversification, pursuing an “industry integration plus ecological education plus leisure” model to support coordinated growth in specialty fruit farming, under-forest agriculture, and ecological tourism. In 2025, its revenue from the sand industry and diversified business operations exceeded 85 million yuan (about 12.4 million U.S. dollars).