5.4.2 The two sides will continue to hold the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum, support long-term, stable cooperation between Chinese and African academic communities, encourage the Forum and relevant institutions to conduct joint researches, and provide intellectual support to China-Africa cooperation. 5.4.3 The two sides will continue to make good use of the China-Africa Institute to enhance mutual learning between civilizations. The two sides welcome and encourage their businesses and financial and academic institutions to provide support for academic, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between China and Africa. 5.4.4 The two sides will continue to support the development of the Belt and Road African Studies Alliance, conduct cooperation on scientific research digitization, strengthen cooperation on theoretical innovation and decision-making research, promote academic exchanges and the commercialization of scientific research results, and advance exchanges and mutual learning of development experience. 5.5 Sub-national and People-to-People Exchanges 5.5.1 China will encourage sub-national and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to utilize existing resources and strengths, taking into account the circumstances of different fields, countries and projects, actively participate in practical cooperation with Africa, gradually achieve the diversification of cooperation models, and further enhance the comprehensive effect of practical cooperation with Africa. 5.5.2 The two sides value the positive role of the China-Africa People’s Forum in enhancing people-to-people exchanges, friendship between the two peoples and cooperation concerning people’s livelihood, and encourage and support more practical exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and African NGOs on people’s well-being. 5.5.3 China welcomes African Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to join the Silk Road NGO Cooperation Network and the Silk Road Community Building Initiative, step up people-to-people exchanges and livelihood cooperation, and contribute to stronger people-to-people connectivity between China and Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative. 5.5.4 The two sides attach importance to tapping into the role of the China-Africa Friendship Organization Leaders Meeting, and will further promote practical exchanges between Chinese and African friendship organizations. 5.5.5 Both Sides welcome the increased people-to-people exchanges through trade and recommend the strengthening of these contacts. China and Africa would like to cement the popular support of Sino-African friendship through the commemoration of the anniversary of FOCAC. 5.5.6 The two sides encourage their labor unions to continue to deepen exchanges and advance cooperation through means including video conference, material assistance, information sharing, mutual visits, seminars and personnel training. 27/36