UK expert hails FOCAC action plans

A British expert specializing in China-Africa relations has praised the series of partnership actions announced at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, saying the event showcased the depth and breadth of bilateral ties.

"FOCAC remains the most prominent platform for China-Africa cooperation, especially in terms of its scale and longevity," said Linda Calabrese, a senior research fellow at the Overseas Development Institute in London.

"The forum is well attended by many African leaders, and it has been running for many years, providing a crucial platform for high-level government dialogues but also for other discussions for strengthening economic, political and cultural ties. This showcases the depth and breadth of China-Africa relations."

During the opening ceremony of the summit on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled 10 partnership actions for modernization to deepen cooperation in the next three years, pledging support for Africa in trade, agriculture, infrastructure connectivity, green development and other sectors.

"The first thing to note about the speech is the financial pledges that were made to support Africa," Calabrese said, referring to the 360 billion yuan ($50.6 billion) of financial support promised for implementing the actions. "It reaffirms China's ongoing support for Africa's development aspirations, even amid global economic challenges."

The new financing represents a substantial investment, demonstrating China's confidence in Africa's future and the importance it attaches to its partnership with Africa, she said.

Calabrese also praised the efforts to promote trade, highlighting China's unilateral opening of its market to the continent. Notable measures outlined in the speech include giving all least-developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines.

"China is committed to improving Africa's market access," she said. "This (the zero-tariff action plan) coupled with trade facilitation initiatives such as the 'green lanes', presents a significant opportunity for diversifying and growing African exports to the Chinese market, particularly in the agriculture sector."

Additionally, Calabrese found it particularly "encouraging" to see China backing the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, a project that aims to create a single market for goods and services across the continent and other related infrastructure needs.

"This is a much-needed support. China's continued investment in the infrastructure area will play a vital role in driving economic growth."

Regarding the China-Africa industrial chain cooperation proposed in the speech, she expressed hope that greater emphasis could be placed on automotive, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and transport and logistics.