Foreign Direct Investments in African lands: The Chinese and EU different approach

Gli investimenti diretti esteri nei Paesi africani: il diverso approccio di Cina e Unione europea

Abstract

The article focuses on the differences between Chinese and EU investment policies towards African countries and how that policies are influencing land investments. The Chinese investment policy is primarily driven by economical needs and is based on the 2001 Going global policy. The article takes into consideration the BITs between China and African countries and the Chinese Special Economic Zones in Africa. Concerning of the EU policies in Africa, the paper analyses the Economic Partnership Agreements, the envisaged new trade pillar of Africa-EU cooperation, and the EU energy policy that is promoting investments in African lands for biofuels’ production. Finally, the article points out possible solutions for fostering sustainable investments in African lands, starting from the promotion of a trilateral cooperation involving not only China and European Union, but also African countries and African Union.