What are the challenges facing cooperation between Chinese and African local governments and enterprises?

The main problems are: first, there's a lack of understanding of Africa among many Chinese people, including local government officials. The negative media reports on Africa such as its poverty, underdevelopment, diseases and hot weather, have given rise to people's fear of this mysterious continent. So some Chinese local governments are not enthusiastic about investment in African countries. In fact, many African countries have beautiful environment, pleasant climate, and huge investment opportunities.

 Second, as China-Africa economic and trade cooperation is becoming increasingly closer, some Western countries are jealous and criticize China's presence in Africa, which caused some African countries to misunderstand China. Some negative events involving Chinese companies have occurred in Africa, partly because of Western media reporting, partly because of Chinese companies' own behavior. Our companies should learn to regulate their conduct and operations, and respect local laws and employees.

 Third, the cooperation between the local governments needs to be conducted in a mutually beneficial and win-win manner. The African side usually has a high expectation of the Chinese side, and misunderstandings may arise when the expectation is not met. Local governments of the two sides should also carry out more cooperation in the sectors of education, health and medical care and Chinese local governments should pay more attention to social responsibility.

In recent years, what has CPAFFC done to promote the cooperation between Chinese and foreign local governments?

CPAFFC has always been committed to promoting the exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African local governments, especially in recent years. Since 2008, we have organized four training programs for African local government officials of the friendly cities. We also hosted the Ninth Seminar on Cooperation Between Chinese and African Friendly Cities and Local Governments. All those exchanges have paved the way for this Forum.