PM discusses with Chinese president development efforts, terrorism

There have been detractors who constantly insinuate that China’s intentions in Africa could be similar to those of the colonialists, the president told reporters on the sidelines of the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).”So if the balance keeps widening and we can’t export, the overall trade will go down and our ability to import will be at risk”.

The business forum was held under the theme China-Africa Cooperation for Common Development. “Figures indicate that Africa needs 93 billion US dollar to upgrade its infrastructure and China’s help has come at a right time”, he added.

To help Africa accelerate agricultural modernization, China will carry out agricultural development projects in 100 African villages to raise rural living standards, send 30 teams of agricultural experts and establish a “10+10” cooperation mechanism between Chinese and African agricultural research institutes, he added.

“China will implement ten cooperation plans with Africa in the next three years, ” Xi said.

President Xi Jinping said the package would include zero-interest loans as well as scholarships and training for thousands of Africans.

“We have successfully concluded all the major tasks of the summit”.

Adji Ayassor, minister of state in the Togolese Ministry of Economy, Finance and Development Planning, told Xinhua that the Chinese president’s speech told “the truth about the cooperation between China and Africa”.

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 President said he looks forward to the Second FOCAC (after China hosted the first one in 2006) coming out with a clear and sustainable roadmap for what he described as “this strategic engagement which will be mutually beneficial to both Africa and China in the efforts at promoting rapid socio-economic development for” both partners.

This is in addition to building roads, ports and railways in a continent long seen as a major commodities source for China.

Relations between African countries and China are entering a critical phase as both sides focus attention on areas that generate real benefits to citizens, Kenyatta said.

Accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, Xi concluded his schedule on Friday evening by attending the art performance at the closing ceremony of the Year of China in South Africa.