China announces $10m agric support for Global South nations

* 1,000 scholarships

*100,000 training opportunities

The government of the People’s Republic of China has announced a $10 million in support for the agricultural development of the Global South nations.

It also pledged commitment to the renewal of the China-International Fund for Agricultural Development (China-IFAD) for the South-South and Triangular Cooperation Facility.

Chinese President, Xi Jinping, who disclosed this Friday at a conference to mark the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, added that to better support Global South cooperation, China will establish a Global South research center, provide 1,000 scholarships under the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Scholarship of Excellence and provide 100,000 training opportunities for Global South countries in the coming five years.”

President Jinping also disclosed moves to launch a Global South youth leaders’ program at the ceremony held at the famous Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China, with the diplomatic community and members of the China-Africa Think Tank in attendance.

President Jinping in almost 30 minutes’ presentation, harped on the need for global peace and harmony, charging developing nations to deepen in science, technology, arts and other areas of endeavour.

Chinese leadership initiated specified the Five Principles of peaceful coexistence to include, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit as well as peaceful coexistence.

According to the President, the Principles have served as the prime guidance for the establishment and development of relations between countries with different social systems.

“When following the Five Principles, even countries that differ from each other in the social system, ideology, history, culture, faith, development stage and size can build a relationship of mutual trust, friendship and cooperation.

“The Five Principles offer a new path toward a peaceful settlement of historic issues and international disputes, triumphing over obsolete, narrow-minded, antagonistic and confrontational mindsets such as bloc politics and sphere of influence.

“They have been a powerful rallying force behind the efforts of developing countries to pursue cooperation and self-strength through unity.

“They mirror the deep thoughts of developing countries about improving their future and about reform and progress. Inspired and encouraged by the Five Principles, more and more countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America have voiced and extended support to each other, stood up against foreign interference and embarked on an independent path of development”, Jinping held.

Expressing China’s readiness to discuss free trade arrangements with more Global South countries, Jinping insisted that his country will continue to support the WTO’s Aid for Trade initiative and renew its contribution to the WTO’s China Program.

“China welcomes more Global South countries to join the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development.”
He informed that between now and 2030, China’s import from fellow developing countries is expected to exceed US$8 trillion.