HSRC Seminar: Impact of China's Belt and Road on the African Free Trade Agreement and infrastructure under the new normal 6 August 2020 

Online seminar Overview: The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA) has become critical in fast tracking regional economic integration which requires continental infrastructure development.  China, has already begun extensive infrastructural development in Africa through the Belt and Road (BRI).  The BRI is increasingly seen as a catalyst for infrastructure development and free trade. This e-symposium series assesses BRI strategies that can accelerate AFTCA infrastructure development. Key questions taddressed, amongst others, are whether planned BRI projects under the new normal will be successful; and best practices the African Union should consider on implementing the AFTCA in collaboration with the BRI. Speakers: His Excellency Robert Lisinge, Chief, Energy, Infrastructure and Services Section, Private Sector Development and Finance Division, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), His Excellency Minister Counsellor LI Nan, Charge d'Affares ad Interim, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa, His Excellency Yu Yunquan, President of  the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies, Dr Cobus Van Staden, Senior China-Africa Relations Researcher, South Africa Institute of International Affairs, Liu Naiya, Director of Division for Social and Cultural Studies, The China-Africa Institute, and Dr Vuyo Mjimba, Chief Research Specialist, Human Science Research Council        For more information and seminar presentations: http://www.hsrc.ac.za/en/events/events/belt-road-new-normal