The Guangdong-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forums, part of the 17th The China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair activities, was held on September 17 at Area B of China Import and Export Fair Complex.

Representatives of African business associations and the General Chamber of Commerce of Guangdong in Africa launched a joint initiative to drive the establishment of standardized and institutionalized communication channels between government and enterprises, and innovate the service model of private SMEs in China and Africa so as to provide a better service for Guangdong-Africa economic and trade cooperation.

Fighting against epidemic: a concrete act of China-Africa Community with a Shared Future

The latest World Economic Outlook launched by International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that the economic growth rate of Sub-Saharan Africa will reach 3.4%, lower than global economy growth rate (6%). To achieve economy recovery in those countries, taking Covid-19 pandemic under good control becomes a premise.

Ao Yan, Secretary General and a member of Communist Party group of China Council for the promotion of international trade, Guangdong Committee, noted that Guangdong would work with Business Associations of African countries in offering epidemic prevention supplies, medicines, test kits and sterilization products to help Africa combat virus with high-quality Chinese goods.

As a major province of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Guangdong has been providing TCM treatments to African countries since the outbreak of epidemic. The use of Artemisinin and Piperaquine Tablets produced by Artepharm Co., Ltd., China has increased exponentially and becomes a must-have in Africa.

Guangdong manufacturing speeds up industrialization in Africa

Zhang Zhenxiang, Chief Engineer of Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, stressed that bilateral trade between Guangdong and Africa amounted to USD 186.97 billion in 2020, among which export volumes from Guangdong to Africa reached 114.22 billion while import volumes from Africa to Guangdong USD 72.45 billion. In addition, the African Continental Free Trade Area has started in January this year, allowing a further bilateral cooperation on infrastructure, digital economy, financial service and other sectors.

Consuls General from African countries at dialogue session. (Photo provided to newsgd.com)

H.E. Mbelwa Kairuki, Tanzania Ambassador to China, mentioned “the priority in China-Tanzania cooperation is to promote industrialization in Africa. Small and medium enterprises in Africa should learn technology from Chinese enterprises to pursue greater productivity and increase product added value. Guangdong and Africa should continue deepening mutual-beneficial cooperation for the connectivity in facility, trade and fund.”

Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda, Nigerian ambassador to China, shared that Nigeria Guangdong Business Association was established this month and backed up by the China Council for the promotion of international trade Guangdong Committee. This association will work with Africa Guangdong Business Association to push forward economic and trade cooperation between Nigeria and China.

This event is hosted by China Council for the promotion of international trade Guangdong Committee (Guangdong Chamber of International Commerce) and organized by Africa Guangdong Business Association (AGBA).

Author| Rofel

Editor| Keane, Jerry