2 August 2012 | EN | FR Technology transfer is a priority for a
new phase in China–Africa cooperation — but it needs the right
direction, says Linda Nordling. Africa can learn a lot from
China's booming economy about how science and technology can
help to boost development — a fact not lost on either party.
Technology transfer will be a key element of a new phase in the
partnership between the two, which was agreed at the fifth Forum
on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that took place in Beijing
on 19–20 July. But China's track record in Africa has some
lessons for technology transfer that both sides need to consider
to ensure their partnership proves equitable and profitable for
more Africans. Not so special zones China's own economic ascent
was fuelled by the establishment of special economic zones
governed by laws that were more market-oriented than national
laws — lower taxes, for example — in an effort to boost business
and attract foreign investors. Such zones were often set up in
close proximity to nat