Chinese organizations to enhance cooperation with Africa

World
Europe

A number of Chinese social organizations will carry out a series of programs in African countries over the next few years to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two sides, according to a plan released Tuesday.

The blueprint, unveiled at the closing session of the fifth China-Africa People's Forum which was held in southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, covers a wide range of areas including livelihood, infrastructure and cultural exchanges, among others.

One of the projects will be implemented by the Zhejiang-based International Federation of Small Hydropower, which will help the Cross River State in Nigeria alleviate its power supply shortage. Representatives from the two sides signed an agreement during the session.

This came as one of the major achievements of the two-day event, which drew hundreds of participants from NGOs, enterprises and media outlets from China and some 30 African countries. A guideline on overseas activities for Chinese social organizations was also released during the meeting.

A panel discussion for attendees from social organizations, think tanks, business sector and media outlets. / CGTN Photo

Zhu Rui, general secretary of the China NGO Network for International Exchanges, said more and more Chinese social organizations have been actively participating in global governance recently, which has served as a bridge for China and the rest of the world. "But in general, these overseas activities are still on the initial stage and the organizations lack necessary experience."

Despite the extensive agreements reached during the gathering, many attendees put forward their suggestions in regard to further strengthening exchanges between civil societies on both sides.

Abdelmoneim Elsoni Ahmed Abdalla, general secretary of the Sudanese Council for International People's Friendship, proposed to set up an alliance of China-Africa NGOs in a bid to promote mutual cooperation and development.

The forum serves as a warm-up for the upcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September. Many said they believe the summit will consolidate the foundation of friendship and mutual trust between the two.

"I sincerely hope that the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation can find a way to support the work by Chinese and African NGOs, which serve as strong partners of the government and worth helping," said Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former Tanzanian president.

In his congratulatory letter to the forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping also encouraged social organizations and individuals from both sides to strengthen exchanges and garner strong public support for the building of a community with shared destiny between China and Africa.