Asia Africa Growth Corridor: Development Cooperation and Connectivity in the Indo-Pacific

Abstract

Asia and Africa are conjoined by the Indian Ocean and the two regions provide a renewed opportunity for partnership for sustainable development. The conceptualisation of an Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) by Prime Ministers Shinzo Abe and Narendra Modi is the convergence of the Free and Open Indo Pacific (FOIP) and Act East Policy of the two countries. The AAGC will bring out the economic gains for Africa through its integration with India, South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania. It sets out a new paradigm of connectivity and cooperation in Indo Pacific region. AAGC draws on the strength of shared values, convergent interest, and complementary skills and resources, to promote economic and social development, capacity building, connectivity, and infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific region. It is expected to be a model for inter-regional growth, propelled by mutual trust and cooperation amongst friends and partner countries in Asia, Oceania, and Africa.