Japan to host Africa conference with eye on Asian rivals
Japan will hold a major conference on African development this week amid growing competition with its regional rivals for influence in the poverty-stricken but resource-rich continent.
By Agencies |
TOKYO: Japan will hold a major conference on African development this week amid growing competition with its regional rivals for influence in the poverty-stricken but resource-rich continent.
With China and India seeking to forge closer ties with the region and secure commodities to fuel their economic booms, the event is seen as a key opportunity for Japan to maintain its diplomatic clout.
Japan has invited 52 African countries to the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), which it hosts every five years along with the United Nations, the World Bank and other organisations.
Presidents, vice presidents or prime ministers from 44 African countries are expected to attend the meeting in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, including Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir and South African President Thabo Mbeki.
Talks will focus on how to tackle food shortages, boost economic growth and reduce poverty.
Japan has long used aid as a key diplomatic tool. It was the world's top donor in 1991, but its overall assistance is slipping as the debt-laden country tightens its belt.
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is expected to formally announce plans at the conference to double Japan's financial assistance to Africa by 2012.
"We must bring more fresh money to help African partners," said Masato Kitera, director general for African affairs at Japan's foreign ministry.
Energy-hungry emerging economies are pursuing active diplomacy with Africa. China since 2000 has held its own triennial African development conference, while India in April held its first-ever summit with 14 African countries.
The event, which is expected to draw 2,500 participants including nongovernmental organisations, comes as Japan looks to boost its diplomatic profile ahead of this year's Group of Eight summit which it will host in July.
With China and India seeking to forge closer ties with the region and secure commodities to fuel their economic booms, the event is seen as a key opportunity for Japan to maintain its diplomatic clout.
Japan has invited 52 African countries to the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), which it hosts every five years along with the United Nations, the World Bank and other organisations.
Presidents, vice presidents or prime ministers from 44 African countries are expected to attend the meeting in Yokohama, southwest of Tokyo, including Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir and South African President Thabo Mbeki.
Talks will focus on how to tackle food shortages, boost economic growth and reduce poverty.
Japan has long used aid as a key diplomatic tool. It was the world's top donor in 1991, but its overall assistance is slipping as the debt-laden country tightens its belt.
ADVERTISEMENT
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda is expected to formally announce plans at the conference to double Japan's financial assistance to Africa by 2012.
"We must bring more fresh money to help African partners," said Masato Kitera, director general for African affairs at Japan's foreign ministry.
Energy-hungry emerging economies are pursuing active diplomacy with Africa. China since 2000 has held its own triennial African development conference, while India in April held its first-ever summit with 14 African countries.
The event, which is expected to draw 2,500 participants including nongovernmental organisations, comes as Japan looks to boost its diplomatic profile ahead of this year's Group of Eight summit which it will host in July.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
