Beijing Programme for China-Africa
Cooperation in Economic and Social Development,
12 October 2000
The Forum on China-Africa Co-operation - Ministerial
Conference 2000 was held in Beijing, China from
10 to 12 October 2000. Ministers from China and
44 African countries exchanged views and are convinced
of the imperatives for a dynamic, new strategic
partnership between Africa and the PRC. The Ministers
commit themselves to co-operating in all fields,
especially social and economic development, on the
basis of equality and mutual respect with a view
to renewing, developing and expanding China-Africa
co-operation in the 21st century.
1. FOREWORD
1.1 The Ministers reviewed with satisfaction the
results of the co-operation between China and African
countries over the past 50 years. The Ministers
believe that such co-operation, not only directly
benefits their peoples, but also enhances friendship
and mutual understanding. The Ministers note that
China and African countries have made great efforts
in recent years to explore new forms of co-operation,
particularly between enterprises. They, however,
note that both Africa and China still have great
potential, which should be properly managed and
strategically directed for their mutual benefit.
1.2 The Ministers also agree that, in view of the
present unjust and inequitable world order, China
and African countries should position themselves
to influence the establishment of a new world order
which will reflect their needs and interests. To
this end, they agree to adopt a workable programme
towards the creation of a new strategic partnership
for sustainable development in the 21st century.
1.3 The Ministers further observe that globalisation
currently presents more challenges and risks than
opportunities to the vast number of developing countries
and therefore express their determination to strengthen
the existing co-operation between China and African
countries in all fields. They also agree to earnestly
explore new ideas and strategies to develop their
respective economies and enhance their capabilities
to participate in globalisation.
1.4 In pursuit of the foregoing objectives the
Ministers reiterate that China and African countries
will honour the following principles of co-operation
for their future development :
1.4.1 equality and mutual benefit
1.4.2 diversity in form and content
1.4.3 emphasis on practical results
1.4.4 pursuit of common progress
1.4.5 amicable settlement of differences
2. INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CO-OPERATION
2.1 The Ministers maintain that the two sides should
use and improve the existing bilateral consultation
mechanisms to strengthen inter- governmental links,
explore new areas of co-operation, closely monitor
the progress in their co-operation and share experiences
in order to enhance their mutually beneficial partnership.
In light of the development and changes in their
bilateral economic and trade relations, the two
sides agree to continue to review and conclude agreements
as necessary, with a view to encouraging preferential
market access for products from African countries
into China.
2.2 The Ministers agree to promote the exchange
of high-level visits and conduct regular inter-governmental
dialogue and co-operation, so as to create a favourable
climate for business contacts and trade between
China and Africa. In addition, they undertake to
promote positive interaction with relevant trade
and commercial organisations and assist in the establishment
of effective communication links between such organisations
in China and Africa, in order to ensure that they
play an active role in the development of our economies.
2.3 The Chinese government undertakes to continue
to cooperate with and provide development assistance
to African countries, focusing on the promotion
of local industries, sourcing of local materials
and the creation of employment. Such development
assistance should support national policies of African
countries and be awarded in consultation with national
governments. Projects will be aimed at the utilisation
of local expertise and materials, the creation of
local employment and the development of human resources
of African countries.
2.4 To support African countries in their economic
and social development, the Chinese side undertakes
to continue providing assistance to African countries,
within its capacity, in light of specific economic
conditions of the recipient countries and within
the framework of South-South co-operation. This
support will mainly take the form of aid grants,
concessional loans and interest-free loans to be
mainly used in areas determined by both sides.
3. TRADE AND INVESTMENT
3.1 The Ministers acknowledge progress in the area
of trade and investment promotion and express their
readiness to develop a strategy by creating an enabling
legal and business environment, so that such co-operation
will gradually play a leading role in the China-Africa
economic partnership.
3.2 The Ministers agree to conclude an appropriate
legal framework on :
3.2.1 trade promotion and capacity building;
3.2.2 encouragement, protection and guarantee of
investments;
3.2.3 avoidance of double taxation;
3.2.4 enhancement of co-operation in marine shipping
and air transportation
3.3 The Ministers agree to undertake joint efforts
to improve trade and investment environment through
such measures as granting each other preferential
treatment in conformity with existing national laws,
equitable treatment to all investors together with
investment guarantees and just settlement of eventual
disputes, in accordance with internationally accepted
rules and practices.
4. TRADE
4.1 The Ministers note the necessity to move towards
balanced and enhanced trade and acknowledge the
need to assist in improving the production capacity
in Africa and in diversifying the composition of
African exports. They pledge to collaborate and
share experience in overcoming Africa's export dependence
on primary commodities, single products and raw
materials.
4.2 The Ministers stress the need to harmonise
their trade policies and to participate actively
in trade negotiations, including within the framework
of the WTO, in order to ensure that the multilateral
trading system contributes to enhanced competitiveness,
economic growth and sustainable development of their
countries.
4.3 The Ministers express the readiness of their
business communities to vigorously explore and benefit
from all opportunities offered by their respective
markets, in an enterprising spirit, while complying
with internationally accepted norms and quality
standards in their exported products.
4.4 Noting with concern the imbalance in the two-way
trade and the need to address it as soon as possible,
the Chinese side undertakes to:
4.4.1 encourage its enterprises to give preference
to the import of African products in the light of
market demand and conditions;
4.4.2 strive to make its investment and trade centers
in Africa a success, and to facilitate the establishment
of similar centers of African countries in China,
so that these centers will play an effective bridging
role in facilitating exchanges and communications
between enterprises of the two sides;
4.4.3 establish a China-Africa Joint Business Council
in co-ordination with the Chambers of Commerce of
African countries and professional organisations,
so as to put in place a dialogue and consultation
mechanism with African enterprises and promote economic
co-operation and trade between them; and
4.4.4 establish a China-Africa Products Exhibition
Center in China to promote two-way trade and facilitate
access for African products to the Chinese market.
4.5 The Ministers state the importance of providing
better and preferential access to the Chinese market
for African exports of commercial importance.
4.6 The Ministers agree to ensure better access
to each other's market, in the context of multilateral
trade liberalisation and progress made with due
regard to regional integration arrangements in Africa.
5. INVESTMENT
5.1 The Ministers pledge to encourage mutual investments
by their enterprises, the exchange of experience
in business management, the setting up of joint
ventures or sole ownership enterprises, including
small or medium ones and the establishment of joint
business fora, as key factors in the China-Africa
economic partnership.
5.2 The Chinese side will set aside special funds
to support and encourage investment by well-established
Chinese enterprises in African countries to set
up joint equity or co-operation projects adapted
to local needs in terms of job creation and transfer
of technologies.
5.3 The Chinese side agrees to share with African
countries its experience in the field of investment
promotion relating to the establishment and management
of free and special economic zones.
5.4 The Ministers agree to identify their complementarities
in order to invest in common projects through bilateral
and/or trilateral co- operation channels.
5.5 They agree that the Joint Business Council
to be established between their public/private sectors
will be aimed at organising regular business meetings
among their economic operators and professional
organisations as well as training seminars on doing
business with special focus on their market specific
aspects.
5.6 The Ministers express their readiness to develop
further, as necessary, the finance schemes needed
to implement mutual investment and economic partnership
between China and Africa.
6. COOPERATION IN ENGINEERING AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL
PROJECTS
6.1 The Ministers positively appraise the co-operation
between the two sides in engineering projects in
African countries. The Chinese side will continue
to encourage well-established Chinese enterprises
to participate in economic and infrastructure construction
and development projects in African countries. It
also expresses its readiness to make available its
modern and appropriate technologies, as well as
managerial expertise, in various areas such as engineering
contracting, technical and management co-operation.
It will also encourage these enterprises to enhance
co-operation with their counterparts in Africa and
employ, as well as train more local people, including
the usage of locally available resources. In such
co- operation, the Chinese side may also consider
accepting various forms of payment such as payment
in kind, to ease African countries' financial burden
and help increase their export to China.
7. FINANCIAL COOPERATION
7.1 Noting that co-operation between financial
institutions of China and African countries just
started, the Ministers express their determination
to encourage them to vigorously look into the possibility
of co-operating in such forms as parallel- and co-financing
arrangements. They believe that it is imperative
to continue to enhance financial co-operation between
China and the African Development Bank Group (ADB),
the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development
Bank (PTA) and other multilateral financial institutions
in Africa, in particular to implement the bilateral
agreement on technical co-operation concluded between
China and the ADB.
8. DEBT RELIEF AND CANCELLATION
8.1 The Ministers note with concern that the heavy
debt burden not only seriously hampers the economic
growth of African countries, but also causes worsening
social problems. They welcome the international
efforts for debt relief or cancellation over the
past few years and call on developed countries and
international financial institutions that are main
creditors to fulfil their commitments at an early
date. The momentum on debt relief over the past
years must be maintained and developed.
8.2 The Chinese side notes that African debt to
China does not constitute the bulk of the continent's
debt stock and that China is herself a developing
country and a net debtor. Notwithstanding this,
the Chinese side expresses its readiness to help
relieve the debt burden of African countries. In
this connection, the Chinese side undertakes to
reduce or cancel debt amounting to 10 billion RMB
yuan owed by the heavily indebted poor countries
and least developed countries in Africa in the coming
two years. The details will be discussed through
bilateral channels.
8.3 The Ministers recognise that China, as a permanent
member of the United Nations Security Council, is
a significant partner in developing support around
the issue of debt relief for Africa.
9. TOURISM
9.1 The Ministers acknowledge that tourism is an
important activity which has the potential for generating
financial resources that will help Africa's accelerated
economic growth, the creation of employment opportunities
and the alleviation of poverty. They agree to cooperate
in promoting tourism and undertake to encourage
investment in the development of tourism infrastructure
and capacity, with specific focus on the development
of small, micro and medium enterprises.
10. MIGRATION
10.1 The Ministers agree that their respective
governments will facilitate the processing of applications
for work permits and visas, in line with the existing
legislation and policy pertaining to migration,
and that deficiencies will be addressed within the
framework of bilateral agreements.
11. AGRICULTURAL COOPERATION
11.1 The Ministers express their readiness to share
their respective countries' experience in various
fields of agricultural development and fisheries.
11.2 Realising the vital importance of agricultural
development to climinating poverty and ensuring
food security, the Ministers are determined to take
all the necessary measures to ensure successful
co-operation in this area.
11.3 The two sides also agree to further explore
effective ways of trilateral co-operation among
China, African countries and the relevant international
institutions such as the United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
12. EXPLORATION AND UTILISATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
AND ENERGY
12.1 Cognisant of the importance of their respective
natural resources, the two sides agree to co-operate
in the use of such resources. China agrees that
Africa needs to beneficiate its agricultural, mineral
and metallurgical resources, in order to generate
industrial economic activities. In this regard,
China agrees to promote investment in and exploration
and beneficiation of metallurgical resources and
that such beneficiation should be done in Africa.
12.2 The Ministers agree to facilitate the exploration
and beneficiation of such resources on a reciprocal
basis with due consideration to sound environmental
practices.
13. SCIENTIFIC, TECHNOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL COOPERATION
13.1 Aware of the importance of scientific, technological
and cultural co-operation, the two sides commit
themselves to :
13.1.1 enhancing co-operation in the areas of basic
and applied research, and development and transfer
of technology.supporting the upgrading of Africa's
indigenous technologies
13.1.2 working together for the extension of technologies
already developed and employed, such as utilisation
of solar energy, disaster prevention, management
and relief, as well as development of water resources,
so as to make them serve the economic revitalisation
of both China and African countries; and
13.1.3 increasing cultural exchanges, particularly
the exchange of visits by high-level cultural delegations
and sports and art groups, setting up more art exhibitions
in each other's territory, and making a greater
effort to study and promote each other's culture.
14. COOPERATION IN MEDICAL CARE AND PUBLIC HEALTH
14.1 Recognising the positive role of the Chinese
medical teams in Africa and grateful for the efforts
of the Chinese government in this regard, the African
Ministers welcome the commitment made by the Chinese
side to send more medical teams to African countries
and they promise to create suitable working and
living conditions for these teams.
14.2 The Chinese side agrees to give positive consideration
to the requests of African countries and promises
to continue to provide them with medical equipment,
facilities, medicine and more training to local
medical personnel, and promote co-operation in the
use of traditional medicine and pharmacea, so as
to ensure more fruitful results in such co-operation.
14.3 The two sides agree to conduct co-operation
in such areas as reducing infant and material mortality
rates, and preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, malaria,
tropical and other diseases.
15. EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
15.1 The Ministers agree to expand co-operation
in education and human resources development. The
Chinese side pledges to:
15.1.1 grant more scholarships to African students
to study in China, continue to send teachers to
Africa to help local institutions of higher learning
improve their disciplines and specialities, and
set up channels of communications between universities
of the two sides for the study of the Chinese and
African civilisations; and
15.1.2 establish an African Human Resources Development
Fund and gradually increase financial contribution
to the Fund for the training of professionals of
different disciplines for African countries.
15.2 The two sides agree to work out country-specific
training plans through appropriate channels, identify
specific co-operation projects and facilitate their
implementation.
16. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND BIO-DIVERSITY
16.1 The Ministers support international efforts
towards environmental management and sustainable
human development. The two sides express their commitment
to the key elements of the various environmental
conventions and undertake to forge closer co-operation
and joint participation in capacity building for
integrating environmental management in national
development.
16.2 In pursuit of this, China and Africa undertake
to cooperate in all fields of environmental management,
including pollution control, bio-diversity conservation,
protection of forest eco-systems, fisheries and
wildlife management in order to ensure economic
and sustainable human development.
17. TRILATERAL COOPERATION
17.1 The two sides stress the importance of the
development of trilateral co-operation to achieve
the objectives contained in the present programme
of co-operation and the promotion of Sino-African
relations, notably within the framework of South-South
co-operation. They note that such an initiative
will lead to the effective utilisation of available
financial resources for the further development
of human and natural resources of the countries
involved.
18. COOPERATION ON ARMS CONTROL
18.1 The Ministers express deep concern at the
large influx of small arms and light weapons to
conflict areas in Africa and agree that this constitutes
a threat to peace, security/stability and development
on the continent. They pledge to fully cooperate
at international fora to prevent and combat the
problem of illicit proliferation, circulation and
trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
19. MULTILATERAL COOPERATION
19.1 Convinced of the pivotal importance of closer
South-South co-operation under the current circumstances,
the two sides agree to:
19.1.1 strengthen co-operation and consultation
at multilateral fora such as the UN System, UNCTAD,
and the WTO, so as to safeguard the common interests
of the developing countries; and
19.1.2 co-ordinate positions in reforming multilateral
economic and trade regimes and formulating relevant
rules, with a view to increasing the collective
bargaining capacity of developing countries, and
make joint efforts towards the democratisation of
international relations and the establishment of
a just and equitable new international economic
order.
19.2 The Ministers agree to work for the reform
of the United Nations and particularly the UN Security
Council that will be geographically representative.
We call for the recognition of the legitimate place
due to Africa in the Security Council, the organisations
and specialised agencies of the United Nation system.
20. FOLLOW-UP MECHANISMS
20.1 The Ministers agree to establish corresponding
committees for follow- up actions of the Forum on
China-Africa Co-operation at Ministerial level.
20.2 The two sides agree to set up joint follow-up
mechanisms at various levels. Under these mechanisms,
the Ministers will meet in three years time to evaluate
progress in the implementation of the Programme,
Senior Officials in two years time and Ambassadors
resident in China on a regular basis. The Senior
Officials Meetings and the Ministerial Conferences
will be convened in China and Africa on an alternate
basis within the framework of the Forum on China-
Africa Co-operation.