Moving on to the cooperation efforts between China and Africa. China's sports-related aid to countries in the continent dates back to 1956 via the building and donation of stadiums and sports facilities. CGTN's Tang Bo takes a look at one project in Cote d'lvoire and finds out how it has become a reminder of China-Africa friendship.

This isn't your ordinary football field. But some professional football teams have had to train on it. Marref is one of the team leaders. He's fully aware that practice makes perfect. But to win championships, a proper training ground is a must.

MARREF DAREK KOUASSI CAPTAIN, FC FOOTBALL TEAM "There are so many cars and motorbikes passing through here. It's annoying and makes it hard to focus on our training. Many of our players have been hit and injured by cars. And the ground is always filled with puddles after raining, so we have to spend a lot of time cleaning up before practicing."

This muddy area is located in downtown Abidjan, the capital city of Cote d'lvoire. Many people here are blessed with incredible football talent. But sports facilities are not up to par. Marref took me to the nation's best stadium, where currently only national championship and international football games are held. He never stops dreaming of bigger and better things, and he hopes one day he and his team can play here.

MARREF DAREK KOUASSI CAPTAIN, FC FOOTBALL TEAM "We are not yet qualified to compete in the national championship. But we are training hard for it, day and night. Playing in such a big and professional venue makes me happy, and that in turn can improve my technique."

TANG BO ABIDJAN "The only one ground of international standards for football in Abidjan is in here, the Houphouet-Boigny stadium built before the country's independence in 1960. But its state has been often criticized. In 2009 and 2013 two separate stampedes claimed the lives of 80 people in and around the stadium which is why a new stadium was called for. And it's beginning to take shape. This is the Abidjan Olympic Stadium, a free assistance project from China. Covering an area of 60,000 square meters, it will become the largest and the most advanced stadium in all of Africa when completed next year."

XING ZHENJIANG TECHNOLOGY GROUP LEADER, BCEG INTERNATIONAL "In total we have over 2,000 people working on this project, among which 1,700 are locals. We will need more workers when we start to decorate the stadium. This has created a lot of job opportunities for the neighboring villages."

It is one of over 30 stadiums and sports facilities donated or built by China in Africa. They only account for a small part of China-Africa cooperation. But the massive and modern structures stand as a tangible reminder of the China-Africa partnership. In three years, the stadium will host the games of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Marref hopes he can be part of the event. He is happy to see the younger generation getting the opportunity to have such infrastructure and a long-term facility for their use. Tang Bo, CGTN, Abidjan, Cote d'lvoire.