20 July 2012: The Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded with calls for greater cooperation between Africa and China, as well as strengthened South-South cooperation to ensure that international commitments are met and adequately implemented to ensure advances in development.

Held in Beijing, China, from 19-20 July 2012, the Conference adopted the Beijing Action Plan (2013-2015), outlining ways to improve Sino-African cooperation. Steps laid out in the plan include strengthening relations with the African Union (AU) and implementing supporting measures for regional integration and sustainable development through the AU and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). The Plan emphasizes the need to prioritize agriculture and food security in cooperation efforts through capacity building, technology transfer, foreign direct investment and improved market access. It also considers the need to establish a China-Africa energy forum, and enhanced capacity for improving energy production and efficient resource use.

In his address to the Ministerial Conference, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized that while North-South cooperation to advance development is necessary, South-South cooperation is important to complement these advancements. He cited FOCAC as a successful example of South-South cooperation.

FOCAC is a consultative forum and dialogue mechanism, launched by China in 2000, to strengthen Chinese cooperation with Africa in various sectors. [UN Press Release][Conference Website] [5th Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2013-2015)] [South African Government Press Release]