Beijing — At the invitation of the African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), the Executive Secretary, Dr. Frannie Léautier led a delegation of the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) to Beijing, People Republic of China, on 10-13 July 2012.
During her visit, the Executive Secretary participated in the 19th Annual General Meeting of Afreximbank and was a Panelist in the session entitled "South-South Trade Drivers: The Forces of Change". Other Panelists included H.E. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Secretary General of the Africa Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Secretariat, H.E. German Rios, President of the Development Bank of Latin America and Dr. Wang Jian-Ye, Chief Economist of China Exim Bank. The session was chaired by Dr. Richard Kozul-Wright, who represented Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, the Secretary General of UNCTAD.
While in Beijing, the ACBF delegation led by Dr. Léautier held a meeting with a delegation of the Asia Pacific Finance and Development Centre led by Dr. Qiangwu Zhou, Deputy Director General. The deliberations focused on the mandates and activities of each institution and how a mutually beneficial partnership could be established between AFDC Beijing and ACBF.
The focus of AFDC Beijing, which is research as well as dissemination of results through high level forums and seminars, could be an excellent entry point for developing cooperation with ACBF which has achieved excellent results through research conducted internally as well as through a network of 32 think tanks in Africa. AFDC Beijing and ACBF will pursue discussions over the coming weeks towards building a partnership to be materialized by a Memorandum of Understanding.
About the African Capacity Building Foundation
ACBF was established in February 1991. It is the outcome of collaboration between African governments and the international donor community. Its mission is to build sustainable human and institutional capacity for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Africa. ACBF's vision is for Africa to be recognized for its socio-political and economic capabilities and endowments – a continent with effective institutions and policies acquired through sustained investment in people and institutions.
The Foundation is a leader, major partner and centre of excellence for capacity building in Africa.
The African Union currently serves as an Observer on the ACBF Board of Governors.
For further information, please contact:
a.mpunzwana@acbf-pact.org
r.kambarami@acbf-pact.org
African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
PO Box 1562, Harare
ZIMBABWE
Tel: + 263 4 700208/210
