28 August 2012
Local government representatives from 40 Chinese and African capital cities and other major cities met in Beijing from 27 to 28 August 2012 for the First Forum on China-Africa Local Government Cooperation (CALGC Forum). Under the theme of "Enhance Local Cooperation, Promote Common Development", the delegates conducted a wide-range and in-depth discussion on further expanding exchanges and cooperation in various fields between Chinese and African local governments and promoting common development of Chinese and African cities. The Forum achieved the goals of fostering understanding and friendship, establishing more contacts and enhancing exchanges and cooperation in various fields between Chinese and African local governments. Agreements, friendly exchange agreements, and economic and trade cooperation contracts were signed.
The delegates unanimously agree that the traditional China-Africa friendship has a long history and China-Africa cooperation enjoys a solid foundation. The relations between China and Africa have witnessed steady progress over the past five decades and more. Especially after the founding of the China-Africa Forum in 2000, political mutual trust has been strengthened, practical cooperation has achieved remarkable results, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges have developed vigorously. All these have brought concrete benefits to people in China and Africa. In the new situation, we shall further explore new ways and areas for exchanges and cooperation, energetically developing exchanges and practical cooperation between local governments, in an effort to deepen mutual understanding and friendship and contribute more to opening a new chapter in the new- type China-Africa strategic partnership.
In this connection, we declare the following:
--Within the framework of China-Africa Forum, we shall promote all-round exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African local governments by observing the principles of equality, mutual benefit and common development.
--We shall establish the Board of Directors under the CALGC Forum. The General Meeting of the Board of Directors shall be convened once every two years. The first General Meeting was held in Beijing on 28 August 2012. H. E. Mr. Edward Ssekandi, Vice President of Uganda and H. E. Mr. Abdul’ahat Abdurixit, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference were elected Chair of the Board of Directors.
--We shall set up the Secretariat, a permanent body of the CALGC Forum, whose responsibility is to manage the day-to-day affairs of the CALGC Forum. The Secretariat shall be located in Beijing.
--We shall work for the establishment of a mechanism of the CALGC Forum. The General Meeting of Members shall be convened once every two years. Meetings between Chinese and African governors and mayors, Chinese and African Municipal Development Forums, Chinese and African Friendship Cities Conferences, Training Courses for African local government officials and various types of seminars on specific topics shall be held on a regular basis. The first Meeting between Chinese and African Governors and Mayors will be held in Dakar, Senegal early December 2012.
--The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the United Cities and Local Governments, Africa shall establish a strategic partnership. Both sides shall strengthen coordination in order to serve as an important bridge between Chinese and African local governments.
--We shall promote the rapid development of China-Africa friendship city relations, with the aim of establishing 220 pairs of friendship cities (provinces), doubling the present number of 111 pairs.
--The Chinese side is willing to make contributions to the development of cities in Africa by providing support and help in city planning, infrastructure, municipal management, environmental protection and public facilities.
--We shall strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African industrial and commercial sectors. China Africa Business Leaders’ Summit shall be convened during each General Meeting of the CALGC Forum. We shall encourage contacts and cooperation between Chinese and African industrial and commercial sectors and among chambers of commerce.
--We shall carry out charity projects. The Chinese side shall launch Bring Light Tours, Caring Students Tours and other charity projects by using the Chinese Enterprises’ Charity Fund to Africa. We shall encourage all social sectors to participate in and support these projects so as to bring more care to those who need in Africa.
--We shall set up China Africa Local Government Exchange Fund. Its initial funding is 10 million RMB. The fund shall be used to carry out the above-mentioned charity projects, aid the training of African local government officials and other personnel from various circles, provide scholarships to African students who come to study in China, and help Chinese and African industrial and commercial sectors seek business opportunities.
Both the Chinese and African sides are resolved to make common efforts to implement the above decisions.
We express congratulations on the fruitful results and full success of this Forum.
