FOCAC centered on China-Africa development cooperation
By LI Yingyan
People's Daily app
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Lin Songtian, Chinese Amabassador to South Africa, answers questions at a press conference during the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) in Johannesburg on August 22, 2018. (Photo: Wei Zhimin, Chinese Embassy in South Africa)

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Chinese Ambassaor to South Africa Lin Songtian discusses the upcoming FOCAC Summit on August 22, 2018. (Photo: Wei Zhimin, Chinese Embassy in South Africa)

Johannesburg (People’s Daily) – At the ongoing South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) in Johannesburg, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian shared his views on the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) during a press conference with national media.

In December 2015, during the FOCAC Johannesburg Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping introduced the concept of a win-win cooperation and announced 10 Major Cooperative Plans along with $60 billion in support from China.

Every three years a new plan is drafted.  Lin told reporters that China comes to Africa in search of partnerships, rather than ownership.

Three issues that have long stunted African growth include backward infrastructure, lack of professional and skilled personnel, and financing, Lin said.

FOCAC was established in 2000 by China and several African countries. Since then, it has enjoyed yearly exponential growth. Today, it is a leading and highly influential forum showcasing development cooperation with Africa, according to Lin.

Only weeks away, this year’s forum will feature the theme, “China and Africa: Towards An Stronger Community with A Shared Future through Win-Win Cooperation Summit.” Connecting ideas and development strategies between China and several African nations will be at the forefront.

Lin, the former Director-General for African Affairs in the Chinese Foreign Ministry and FOCAC Secretary-General of the Chinese Follow-up Committee, shared a few essential factors that have helped the forum reach the level it is at today.

The early formation of a comprehensive platform, designed to give all concerned parties immediate access to one another and pertinent information regarding new projects and development strategies, was essential, according to Lin.

FOCAC has routinely met urgent demands and proven it has the ability to deliver.

“China has never made empty promises,” said Lin.