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| China-Africa Cooperation Framework |
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In 2000, China and some African countries launched the initiative of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation to meet the challenges posed by globalization. During this first Forum held in China (Beijing), "the Beijing Declaration" and the "China-Africa Cooperation Programme on economic and social development" were adopted to serve as framework for the development of a China-Africa partnership based on respect for common interests.
The second Ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on 16 December 2003 in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) adopted the ?Addis-Ababa Action Plan? giving an outline of China-Africa cooperation for the 2004-2006 period. On that occasion, the first session of Chinese and African businessmen was held, and 21 cooperation agreements of a total value of US$ 1 billion were signed. The Forum thus became an effective mechanism for consultation and exchange between China and African countries.
The Chinese Government on 12 January 2006 published its African policy defining the framework for its cooperation and partnership with African countries. It cancelled US$ 1.3 billion of debt for 31 African countries.
According to statistics from the Chinese Ministry of the Economy, since 1956, China has helped African countries to implement more than 800 projects in agriculture, livestock, fisheries, textile, energy, infrastructure, water supply and electricity.
China largely helped in the construction of the railway linking Tanzania to Zambia (TAZARA). The studies and design of this railway line started in 1968, and the project started up in 1970 and was completed in 1976. Of a total length of 1,860 km between Dar Es-Salaam, capital of Tanzania, and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, the TAZARA is one of the largest assistance projects completed by China in Africa. It runs across high mountains, deep valleys, dense forests and uninhabited areas haunted by wild animals, and crosses swamplands and lakes. Its construction was a huge enterprise and required complex techniques. Moreover, it was implemented under very difficult conditions. The Chinese Government granted loans amounting to 988 million Yuans without interest, and transported the equipment and materials for the project. It sent 50 000 engineers and technicians. At the height of the works, more than 16 000 builders were working together on the site.
More than 50 000 engineers and technicians have been sent to different African countries. As regards health, 30 hospitals have been constructed in Africa with Chinese aid. China has already sent more than 15,000 doctors to Africa. The first Chinese medical mission to Africa was sent to Algeria in 1963.
In all, 15 600 students have already been granted Chinese scholarships. In 2004, 352 students enrolled in China to pursue their studies. Under inter-university cooperation, 19 Chinese universities have established academic cooperation and exchange ties with 29 universities and training centres in 23 African countries. This cooperation is sustained by 530 Chinese professors.
As regards information and communication, China has contributed to the training of many African journalists. In 2004, 132 young delegates from 44 member countries of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum participated in the China-Africa Youth Festival, which took place in China. That same year, China undertook a cultural tour in Africa, which took the Chinese delegation to 18 African countries. China has constructed many sports and cultural centres on the continent. It has also extended its network to African countries considered as destinations for Chinese tourists including South Africa, C?te d? Ivoire, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Egypt, etc.
The first military troops from China on UNO peace mission were sent to Africa, and more precisely to DRC on 1 April 2003. China has also sent more than 500 military troops to participate in the UNO special peacekeeping regiment to Liberia. It also contributed the equivalent of 25 million US dollars for the reconstruction of Liberia.
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| Heads of delegations or other officials are kindly requested to advise the Secretariat well in advance of the meetings,of the full composition of their respective delegations,including,if any,members from diplomatic missions and their staff. More>> |
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