The Institute of Economic Affairs in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, held a two-day seminar on 31 October and 1 November 2019 to discuss Hong Kong’s future and China’s relationship with Africa. Day One of the seminar was themed China’s Development and the Future of Hong-Kong SAR while Day Two was dubbed China as a New Development Partner for Africa. The main speakers were Amb. Zhou Yuxiao, Ambassador of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Affairs (FOCAC), Prof. Tian Feilong, Associate Professor, Law School of Beihang University, Dr. Wang Jiang, Postdoctoral Researcher, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and Dr. John K. Kwakye, Director of Research, IEA.
The first day of the seminar programme commenced at 9:40am with welcome remarks by Dr. Dede Amanor-Wilks, Executive Director of the IEA, followed by remarks by IEA Chairman, Dr. Charles Mensa. Opening remarks were given by H.E. Shi Ting Wang, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana. Bringing the Opening Session to a close, Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration gave an illuminating speech on the complexities of the Hong Kong situation and the importance of Ghana’s relationship with China.
This led into presentations by three Chinese scholars, Ambassador Zhou Yuxiao, Prof. Tian Feilong and Dr. Wang Jiang. There were lively discussions following each presentation, moderated by Dr. Amanor-Wilks. The forum ended at 4:10pm and guests were treated to an evening reception at the Chinese Ambassador’s Residence.
For the second day focused on China as a New Development Partner for Africa, the main speakers were Dr. John K. Kwakye, Director of Research, IEA and Ambassador Zhou of FOCAC. The two presentations were followed by a session of discussions, questions and answers. The programme commenced at 9:15am and discussions ended at 2:00pm, followed by refreshments served in the garden.
Attendance
Attendance exceeded expectations on both days of the seminar. Whereas a total of 41 participants had confirmed attendance, there were 66 participants on the first day and 45 on the second. Participants represented key stakeholders and included members of:
- Parliament
- the diplomatic corps
- civil society organisations and policy centres
- academia
- the media
In addition to Foreign Minister Hon. Shirley Botchway and H.E. Shi Teng Wang, who opened the workshop, dignitaries among the participants included H.E. Kefale Regassa Ere, Ethiopian Ambassador to Ghana, Hon. Seth Terkper, Former Minister of Finance; Hon. Elizabeth Ohene, Former Minister of State for Tertiary Education; Hon. Samuel Ablakwa Okudzeto, Member of Parliament; Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, Member of Parliament; Madam Hajia Hamdatu, Chairperson, CPP; Hon. Samia Nkrumah, Former CPP Chairperson and Former Member of Parliament; Ambassador Kojo Gottfried Amoo-Gottfried, Former Ghanaian Ambassador to China; and Ambassador Anani Demuyakor, Former Ghanaian Ambassador to China.
