(Originally published on 07/09/2013)

The 2013 China-Africa Poverty Reduction and Development Conference was convened today in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. The event convened more than 70 representatives from China and Africa, including those from 15 African Governments, universities and businesses, as well as representatives from international organisations including UNDP and the World Bank. Delegates will conduct exchanges on Promoting Employment and Sustainable Development and a field visit in the coming three and a half days.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China Deputy Country Director Patrick Haverman represented UNDP at the opening of the conference, observing in his opening remarks that “China and Africa have not only recognised the linkages between SME development, employment and poverty reduction, but have taken practical action accordingly”. He pledged that UNDP stands ready to support and propel initiatives under the framework of China-Africa Cooperation in a bid to make contributions to regional and global sustainable development.

The 2013 China-Africa Poverty Reduction and Development Conference is co-sponsored by the China International Poverty Reduction Centre and the United Nations Development Programme, aiming to promote exchanges and cooperation between China and Africa on poverty reduction and development.