Sino-African Cooperation Discussion

Press Release - The theme: "Chinese presence in Africa: An opportunity or an obstacle to the development of Africa?", will be at the centre of discussions during the Second Session of the "Friday of the Commission" debates scheduled to take place on Friday 18 January 2008 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Organised by the African Union Commission, the brainstorming session of the "Friday of the Commission" will be an opportunity to enlighten the audience on the Sino-African cooperation.

Three Experts in the domains of international relations and economic issues in Africa will address participants at the debate. They are:

•- Mr Adama Gaye, Journalist, General Manager of West Africa Magazine and author of the book "China-Africa: The Dragon and the Ostrich".

•- Dr Harry Broadman, Economic Advisor, Africa Region, World Bank, author of the book "Africa’s Silk Road", and

•- Dr JC Alden, Project Director, China in Africa, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and Senior Lecturer in International Relations, London School of Economics, author of the book: "China in Africa: Partner, Competitor, Hegemon?".

Worth recalling that, this "give and receive" forum, was conceived to respond to the demands of the Commission, Member States, African and non African diplomats in Addis Ababa, in order to sensitise the population on the contemporary political, economic and social problems so as to identify major obstacles to integration in Africa, and propose ways and means to tackle the issues.

The "Friday of the Commission" is also aimed at promoting the comprehension of the globalization process and its consequences on African economies as well as throwing light on economic policies and strategies proposed to African countries by international financial institutions.

Participants at the debate will include: staff members of the Commission, the United Nations institutions, African and non-African diplomats in Addis Ababa; researchers, academician and students of universities in Addis Ababa.

Journalists are invited to take part in the debate.

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