The theme of the Conference was set as carrying out practical cooperation and taking specific actions. The Conference adopted the Addis Ababa Action Plan (2004-2006) that mapped out the overall plan for China-Africa cooperation in political, economic and social development fields over the following three years. Addressing the opening session of the Conference, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao put forward a four-point proposal on promoting China-Africa friendship and cooperation: first, promote further development of China-Africa traditional friendship through mutual support. Second, promote democracy in international relations through intensified consultation. Third, jointly meet the challenges of globalization through coordination of positions. Fourth, turn a new page in China-Africa friendly relations through enhanced cooperation.
The Chinese government pledged to take the following steps under the framework of FOCAC: continue to increase assistance to African countries; enhance cooperation with African countries in human resources development, and train 10,000 professionals in different fields for African countries within three years; open the market and provide zero-tariff treatment to certain exports to China from the least developed countries in Africa; expand tourism cooperation and add Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia to the list of ADS (Approved Destination Status) countries; host "Meet in Beijing" International Arts Festival focusing on African arts and the "Voyage of Chinese Culture to Africa"; and increase people-to-people exchanges with Africa. China also proposed that a "China-Africa Youth Festival" be held in China in 2004.
The First China-Africa Business Conference was held in parallel with the Second Ministerial Conference. Over 500 Chinese and African entrepreneurs attended the Conference. Twenty-one cooperation agreements were signed with a total value of US$1 billion.
The Third Senior Officials Meeting in preparation for the second Ministerial Conference of FOCAC was held on 13 December 2003 in Addis Ababa.
The Fourth Senior Officials Meeting of FOCAC was held in Beijing from 22 to 23 August 2005. The meeting reviewed the implementation of follow-up actions of the Second Ministerial Conference and made preparations for the Third Ministerial Conference of FOCAC.
Following the Second Ministerial Conference, China signed 382 new agreements on financial assistance with African countries, trained 12,600 professionals for African countries, provided zero-tariff treatment to exports under 190 tariff items from 28 least developed countries in Africa; gave 17 African countries Approved Destination Status. The "Meet in Beijing" International Arts Festival and the "Voyage of Chinese Culture in Africa" were held successfully, and two China-Africa Youth Festivals were held in Beijing in 2004 and 2006 respectively.
