EU, China to join hands for Africa's development

The world economy is being reshaped by new technologies, services, and trading relationships. Much of this dynamism is fuelled by developing-world nation-states like Brazil, India, and China of course.

China's growing presence in Africa has generated significant discussion during the last several years. This attention reflects the reality that China has important and growing interests in Africa, including access to resources and markets and the deepening of political and diplomatic relations.

These objectives are in no way incompatible with European views and priorities. In fact, they offer important opportunities for the African continent. China's growing activity on the continent is a positive force for the economic development of Africa, and that is a goal we Europeans share with China and many others.

China is effectively making Africa an integral part of its economic development for decades to come. To continue arguing about the desirability of the relationship makes no sense. China's increasing integration with Africa is an established fact.

I am once again in Beijing for a series of exploratory meetings on Europe and China's relationship with Africa. Both China and Europe have developed a modern approach toward the African continent, based on a partnership of equals.

We are both key partners for Africa, but it must be Africa that drives forward its own progress. The truth is that the barriers to Africa's development are to be found at home, not abroad. Africa's fundamental challenge remains - to find a home-grown model to overcome centuries of lost human and material assets and to build value at home.

We have both made important commitments to our African partners, but much still remains to be done to deliver these commitments effectively. Both China and Europe are ready to stand by the Africans' side and assist in their development. We are both very active and present. But we can achieve even more if we are pulling together in support of shared objectives.

I sincerely believe that we can work more and better together in a spirit of cooperation with Africa and for Africa. Africa is on the move, diversifying economically. It is also enjoying substantial growth rates after years of stagnation and crises. A new generation of African leaders is under way to truly integrate African societies in the world economy and to ensure the political place Africa deserves.

That is why I am in Beijing to explore with the Chinese leadership a framework for a triangular partnership. To be more effective we need a better understanding of what we each are doing, of the policies and programs we are pursuing.

In a flexible and pragmatic way we will aim to strengthen our dialogue and our mutual understanding. I am here to examine with my Chinese counterparts how we can cooperate and complement each other in delivering our assistance and our investments on the African continent.

I believe that developing a triangular partnership with China and Africa is the opportunity of this century to tackle more effectively global challenges that affect us all (soaring food and oil prices, climate change, security).

Trilateral cooperation would allow African countries to enhance local capacity, to boost trade and competition, to maximize sustainable investment and development outcomes, to benefit fully from new technologies, and perhaps most importantly to foster peace and stability.

The EU and China are both committed to helping deliver peace, stability, development, prosperity and good governance in Africa. I look forward to working ever more closely with my Chinese colleagues in helping to address these important challenges, in partnership with Africa.

The author is European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid

(China Daily 08/29/2008 page9)