China pledges $60 billion to develop Africa
The president was quoted as saying this on Saturday in South Africa in his address at the round-table of Chinese and African leaders at the conclusion of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
China is doing what the colonialists failed to do in the past: help Africa out of poverty, the president said. “This is the outstanding aspect of our cooperation with China”, Kenyatta remarked.
But on Wednesday, Gigaba said the Ebola virus in Africa was partly to blame for the drop numbers of Chinese tourists visiting South Africa rather than visa requirements.
He said the measures had drawn on wisdom from both sides. “The new focus on China-Africa cooperation centers on industrialization, modernization of agriculture and training”, said Kenyatta.
Themed “Africa-China Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common Development”, the summit is the second of its kind under the 15-year-old framework of the FOCAC, which groups China, 50 African countries that have established diplomatic ties with China, and the Commission of the African Union.
“We anticipate increased Chinese tourists visiting Africa because of this high-profile visit and summit”, he added.
At a meeting with Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Xi said China welcomes Djibouti’s participation in developing the Beijing-proposed 21st-century Maritime Silk Road in proper ways.
According to President Buhari, China and Africa must work together to confront the above threats, as well as the challenge of climate change “for which Africa remains badly affected with severe threats to food security and social stability”, in addition to “unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment and youth restiveness”.
“The perception that China is the new colonizer is a complete misrepresentation of Beijing’s activities here in Africa”. “We believe that is the best way to develop Africa… This partnership can only yield further positive results for Africa’s development”, Mr Zuma said.
More than 85% of Africa’s exports were raw commodities, and this did not suit the partnership that Africa and China wants.
Ralebitso said the meeting also discussed the potential to localise Chinese investment with equity share options and revisiting investment models in the beneficiation of resources.
The Chinese president also suggested that China-Africa cooperation prioritize infrastructure construction, so as to bring tangible benefits to all people.