Chairman Luo Zhaohui’s speech at seminar hosted by CPPCC

Chairman Luo Zhaohui's speech at seminar hosted by CPPCC

(November 27, 2024)

Honorable Vice Chairman Wang Dongfeng,

Excellencies from Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon!

It's my great honor to attend today's significant seminar as a member of the CPPCC and also chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA),which is in charge of foreign aid and international development cooperation. I would like to share with you the implementation of the consensus reached by the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Vice Chairman Wang just gave us a comprehensive briefing about the Summit. 

The Summit adopted two important documents, the Beijing Declaration and Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027). 

President Xi Jinping announced that China will provide 360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into 210 billion yuan of credit line, 80 billion yuan of assistance, and at least 70 billion yuan of investment. 

China will also give 33 least developed countries (LDC) in Africa zero-tariff treatment. 

President Xi Jinping met all the heads of delegations bilaterally and reached a lot of consensus. 

The Summit has sent out 3 important messages to the international community, which are solidarity, cooperation and development. The Summit has opened a new chapter and set a new milestone in China-Africa history. 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now blueprint has been drawn, action is the highest priority. FOCAC is not a talkshop, we are doers. 

As soon as the Summit was over, CIDCA has worked with relevant Chinese agencies, Chinese embassies abroad, and of course with your embassies in Beijing, to push forward the cooperation initiatives. We are on the same page.

First, regarding industrialization. China will support the construction of industrial parks in Africa, set up or upgrade 10 Luban Workshops, undertake 10 supporting projects of industrial parks for African countries, and hold 100 training sessions on industrialization.

Second, on agricultural modernization. China will promote demonstration villages for poverty reduction through agricultural development, send 500 agricultural experts to African countries, train agricultural pioneers, and provide 1 billion yuan of emergency food aid. 

Third, on talent development. China will offer 60,000 training opportunities to Africa, and set up or upgrade 20 schools. 

Fourth, on medical and health care. China will support the building of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), implement ten healthcare facility programs and ten malaria elimination demonstration programs, train high-level public health personnel, and send 2,000 Chinese medical workers and public health experts to Africa. 

Fifth, on connectivity. China will help build airports, railways, highways, and ports in Africa, advance cooperation on digital technologies, undertake infrastructure demonstration projects, and support Africa in developing the Continental Free Trade Area. 

Sixth, on green development. China will implement 30 clean energy and green development projects, provide technologies of new energy such as solar power, wind power, and hydropower, and promote green transport such as electric buses, so as to make African countries more resilient to climate change.

Seventh, regarding people-to-people exchanges. China will implement ten people-to-people exchange projects, support mutual visits among Chinese and African experts and scholars, share experience on governance and development, and support African countries in hosting the Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Eighth, regarding GDI promotion network. China will leverage the Global Development Project Pool and the Global Development Capital Pool, implement more "small yet smart" livelihood projects, and expand ways of cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

China and Africa are each other's sincere friends and partners. Our cooperation is based on win-win situation. We always remember African friends supported China back to the UN seat, strongly uphold the one-China policy, acknowledge the Community with a Shared Future for Mankind, actively participate in BRI and the three global initiatives. China will honor our commitments firmly, follow the principles of no political conditions, no imposition, no rubber cheque. Of course, for pursuing common development, China is also willing to share our experience of modernization path with African countries. 

Friends, let's stand shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, to make joint efforts to build our better future.

Thank you all.