ASIAN VOICES

May 23, Thu. 14:30 - 15:00 (UTC) etc.

Asia & Africa: A New Era

Africa is attracting attention as a potential center for rapid growth, with its abundant natural resources and young demographics. Its market of 1 billion people grew in economic terms during the 2000's, and its middle class has begun to achieve significant purchasing power. Though the region has a litany of issues, including governmental instability, serious corruption, and extensive gaps between rich and poor, European and Asian countries are rushing to expand there.
Chinese support for Africa began in the 1960's, and has created a powerful connection. China has contributed everything from construction of government buildings to maintenance of infrastructure to support for health programs. Their approach has not been without criticism, but many in Africa believe that China's support has contributed more to African industrial growth than Western nations' support has.
Japan has long led in support to Africa, but as Asian nations transition from receiving support to providing it as they become more developed, Japan needs to rethink how to participate in Africa's development. How should the success stories of Asia be used to achieve a new kind of mutual cooperation in Africa which operates outside the parameters of former colonial power and colony? With the Tokyo International Conference on African Development scheduled to be held in Yokohama on June 1, we debate how the relationship between Asia and Africa is changing.

Guest Kweku Ampiah (Professor, Department of East Asian Studies, University of Leeds)	Guest Zha Daojiong (Professor, School of International Studies, Peking University)	Presenter Aiko Doden (NHK Senior Commentator)