The upcoming summit of the Forum on China-Arica Cooperation (FOCAC) is clear proof of China's intent to promote win-win cooperation with African nations, a development analyst said on Monday.
The FOCAC, to be held Dec. 4-5 in Johannesburg, will mark the second summit of the forum to be held in 15 years, and its first on the African continent.[Special coverage]
Professor Francis Chigunta commended China for holding the summit on the African continent as this signifies the importance it attaches to the relationship between the two regions.
"Traditionally these summits have been held in China and holding it here in Africa signifies the strategic importance of Africa to China and its intent to promote win-win cooperation," he said in a telephone interview.
The analyst, who is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Development Studies at the University of Zambia added that holding the summit in Africa is an indication that China is telling the world that it has no imperialist agenda and is interested in uplifting the welfare of African nations.
While appreciating the growing relations between China and Africa, the analyst said the two sides should do more to promote these relations, adding that China could play a big role in helping Africa achieve sustained economic development in order to lift thousands of people from abject poverty.
He commended China's support to Africa's infrastructure development, saying it is a major step towards helping the continent to a path of sustained economic development.
On terrorism, the analyst said the two sides should work together to root out terrorism which was a threat to increased economic cooperation, but added China could play a pivotal role in providing Africa with financial and technical assistance.
