Expert Expects a Boost in China-Africa Ties Amidst Pandemic

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2021 (FBC) – Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is poised to boost Sino-Africa ties across a range of socio-economic sectors.

In an interview with Xinhua, Getachew Adem Tahir, former deputy commissioner of the National Planning Commission of Ethiopia, said the coming forum needs to help bring about tangible outcomes on rebuilding African economies from the brunt of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I believe, African and Chinese leaders at the forum would address issues on how to deal with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic as the development aspect is very critical,” the expert said.

Noting that developing countries in Africa are presently facing daunting challenges in accessing COVID-19 vaccines, the expert stressed that better access to COVID-19 vaccines in Africa would be an important aspect among leaders at the FOCAC.

“On the political dimension, African countries are having problems such as conflict, security problems and terrorism. To this end, how countries can respond to these challenges is another dimension that the leaders would deal with,” Tahir said.

Tahir is attending a doctoral program at Peking University’s Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development.

Source: Xinhua