Discussing the Dragon’s Forays into Africa, 25-26 November 2010, Arusha

The conference is aiming at exploring the different legal and economic dynamics and implications of China-Africa relations, from a quantitative and qualitative point of view, suggesting also possible policy strategies. In the context of the lively and controversial debate, Baris Karapinar, senior research fellow, offered an extensive analysis of the policy options and opportunities for Africa of Export Restriction on Natural Resources. Charlotte Sieber-Gasser, doctoral research fellow, explored the impact of Angola-Mode Chinese state loaning on the African services sector and the legal character of Sino-African trade relations. Maria Anna Corvaglia, doctoral research fellow, presented together with Edwini Kessie from the WTO a paper exploring the possibilities to devise a comprehensive international legal framework of the energy sector based on the comparative analysis of the regulation of WTO and RTAs on energy trade and investment. However, all researchers struggle with the lack of reliable data and it is quite clear from the discussion that there is need for further research in order to provide the basis for coherent policy-strategies for China-Africa relations.