The 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was held on 3-4 September and the Chinese President announced that the summit has come to a successful conclusion with the implementation of the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2019-2021) which help enhance the cooperation between China and Africa in eight major initiatives.
Firstly, in the aspect of industrial promotion, a China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo will be set up in China in order to increase Chinese investment in Africa, while agricultural assistance programs will also be carried out which include sending 500 senior agricultural experts to Africa and providing 1 billion yuan worth of emergency humanitarian food aid to disaster-affected African countries.
Secondly, in the aspect of infrastructure connectivity, a China-Africa infrastructure cooperation plan will be carried out which allows Chinese companies to support and invest in the development of Africa’s infrastructure.
Thirdly, in the aspect of trade facilitation, it is expected that China’s import trade with Africa will be increased through encouraging African countries to take part in the China International Import Expo and exempting the exhibition stand fees of the least developed countries.
Fourthly, in the aspect of green development, 50 aid programs focusing on climate change, ocean, desertification prevention and control, and wildlife protection will be launched to facilitate the ecological and environmental development of African countries.
Fifthly, in the aspect of capacity building, China will provide 50,000 government scholarships and workshop opportunities for the Africans, as well as 2,000 exchange opportunities and vocational training specifically for African youths.
Sixthly, in the aspect of healthcare, there will be upgrades in the medical and health aid programs, such as the construction of China-Africa Friendship Hospitals, and the headquarters of the African Center for Disease Control and Prevention, with the purpose of nurturing more medical talents in Africa and helping the underprivileged.
Seventhly, in the aspect of cultural exchange, China will not only set up an Institute of African Studies, but also encourages African countries to participate in various cultural activities, such as the Silk Road International League of Theaters, the Silk Road International Museum Alliance and the Network of Silk Road Art Festivals.
Eighthly, in the aspect of peace and security, a China-Africa Peace and Security Fund will be set up, while security assistance programs will also be launched with the goals of fighting piracy and combating terrorism.
One of the highlights of the FOCAC would be President Xi’s announcement of providing 60 billion USD worth of financial assistance to Africa which includes grants, special funds, interest-free loans and concessional loans, and it is expected that the relationship between China and Africa would become much closer so that more collaboration would be carried out smoothly and successfully.
Photo Source: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-09/05/c_137444719_6.htm
