An International Business Promotion Fair was held at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies on December 4th, with the purpose of assisting Cantonese enterprises to enter the African market.

More than 300 representatives took part in the opening ceremony, including Consulates General and staff from 11 different African countries’ consulates, member enterprises of the Guangdong Chamber of International Commerce and other Chinese and African companies.

Fang Lixu, the President of the CCPIT Guangdong committee remarked the conference [Photoed by Keane, Newsgd.com]

The promotion event was hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangdong Committee (CCPIT). During the opening ceremony, Mr. Fang Lixu, the President of the CCPIT Guangdong committee, voiced that “China and Africa are just like a family. We have a natural alliance.”

Alima Danfakha Gakou, Dean of the African Consular Corps in Guangzhou and Consul General of Mali in Guangzhou delivering a speech [Photoed by Keane, Newsgd.com]

During the event, the African countries’ consulates set up display boards, introducing the situation in the African market. Furthermore, there were also 30 booths of Cantonese enterprises showcasing their projects at the fair, seeking talent and cooperation.

Daniel Chisenga (left), the Consul General of Zambia in Guangzhou communicating with entrepreneurs at the conference [Photoed provided to Newsgd.com]

“The atmosphere of the event is great.” enthused Mr. Daniel Chisenga, the Consul General of Zambia in Guangzhou. “We hope more and more companies from Guangdong will come and visit Zambia. Investment and trade between our two countries are just what we need.”

“Africa is very appealing to us and we also want to have further development in Africa.” said Mr. Rambo Ma, the CEO of Mege Technology, which is a construction company, focusing on container housing. “Through this event, we got in touch with many African companies and collected information about African countries’ policies.”

Over recent years, Guangdong Province has been searching for deeper engagement in the Belt and Road Initiative, and Africa is a key area targeted by the initiative, covering one-sixth of the world’s population. According to statistics, the import and export volume between Guangdong and Africa reached over 38 billion dollars in 2018, accounting for about 20% of China’s trade value with Africa.

The CCPIT has supported Cantonese companies cooperation with African countries for many years. With its help, a large number of platforms were established to improve the China-Africa commerce, including a number of chambers of commerce, representative offices and other trade and investment organizations.

Reported by Keane, Wang Yifan

Edited by Simon Haywood