Hosted by CASS, the China-Africa Institute, and the Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa, the International Conference on “Governance and Socio-economic Development in China and Africa” was held on Dec. 3 in Pretoria, capital of South Africa. Over 200 representatives from important China-Africa research institutions, policy departments and business circles along with renowned experts and scholars participated in the conference.

CASS President Xie Fuzhan, CEO of Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa Crain Soudien and Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Lin Songtian attended the opening ceremony of the conference and delivered speeches.

Xie said that this year marks the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of the first diplomatic relationship between China and Africa. Based on similar experiences and common missions, both sides have helped each other in the past, embarking on a distinctive path of win-win cooperation. It is of great significance for China and Africa to strengthen exchanges in governance and development experience so as to enhance the common socio-economic prosperity and development of both sides, Xie said.