After more than 70 years of the test of time and the trials of wind and rain, what has the economic and trade situation between China and Africa taken on, and what kind of future will they join hands to create? The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Changsha, Hunan Province from June 12th to 15th undoubtedly presented us with a "sample" of win-win cooperation.

After review and release by the organizing committee, 176 projects were signed at this expo, with a total value of 11.39 billion US dollars. Compared with the previous session, the number of projects has increased by 45.8%. As of 12:00 on the 15th, the number of visitors to the main exhibition hall has exceeded 200,000, doubling that of the previous session. The on-site transaction or intended transaction amount is expected to reach 2.5 billion yuan.

The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo was held in Changsha on June 12th. Photo by Wang Jingqiang, Xinhua News Agency reporter

-- "Xiang" invites brilliance

This is dried lemon. It smells very fragrant when soaked in tea. This kind of sesame seeds are plump and have a higher oil content than ordinary varieties... On the 13th, as soon as the main exhibition hall, Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center, covering an area of 100,000 square meters, opened its doors to the public, the staff in the Somali National Pavilion began to talk non-stop about their own products.

Not far away, at the Burundi exhibition area, Moringa seed oil and Moringa seed body balm made from local raw materials also attracted many professional visitors to inquire and try them. In just half a day, more than 20 purchasers have left their contact methods.

The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo was held in Changsha on June 12th. Photo by Liu Qiong, Xinhua News Agency reporter

Walking through the various venues, African goods such as agricultural and food products, beauty and clothing, jewelry and jade are gathered together with Chinese-made items like medical devices, construction machinery and daily necessities. From time to time, domestic and foreign merchants stopped to experience, exchange and negotiate. The bustling scenes witnessed the vigorous development of China-Africa trade.

The latest data from the General Administration of Customs shows that China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, the trade volume between China and Africa exceeded 2 trillion yuan for the first time. In the first five months of this year, China's imports and exports with Africa reached 963.21 billion yuan, up 12.4% year-on-year, setting a new record high for the same period in history.

The leap in figures reflects that the economic and trade cooperation between the two sides is constantly expanding to a deeper level and broader fields. This expo covers a wide range of fields including construction and manufacturing, power and energy, transportation, information services, culture and health, etc. Whether it is the rich and diverse categories of exhibits or the lively theme forums, China-Africa cooperation is becoming increasingly splendid in one "mutual pursuit" after another.

Today is not the same as before

Entering the Rwanda exhibition area, a unique performance became the focus of attention: the dancers wore traditional Rwandan hair ornaments with traditional fabrics around their waists, and their powerful leaps and precise rhythmic beats drew enthusiastic applause from the entire audience. Chen Bin, who is engaged in food trade, told the reporter that the emotional resonance brought by the dance has deepened his interest and trust in trade exchanges with Rwanda.

This is the canned tuna we produce. Mohammed, the head of SOMTUNA Fishery Company in Somalia, pointed at the display case and said, "With more agricultural products from African countries obtaining access to the Chinese market, our canned food, fish meal, fish oil and many other categories have been able to accelerate their entry into the Chinese market. This participation in the exhibition is precisely aimed at China's food industry chain."

Naya Va Chiparabella, a business representative from Zambia, brought along accessories such as earrings, necklaces and rings handcrafted by Zambian female designers. Chinese consumers have a great demand for online shopping. We are prepared to open up online channels as soon as possible and turn the business opportunities at the expo into business.

Shen Xiang, director of the Department of West Asia and Africa of the Ministry of Commerce, said, "This expo has made innovative arrangements in exhibition and display, as well as the cultivation and promotion of new paths and models of cooperation, striving to continuously inject new impetus into practical cooperation between China and Africa."

-- The prospects are promising

The "Chinese solution" for medical and health care that is highly accessible and cost-effective has a strong demand in the African market. After just purchasing a batch of "health gifts" such as surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment and essential medicines, Kenyan businessman Sarah Varinga is ready to take a look at the Chinese electronics market. "There are so many good things in China and the on-site activities are also very eye-catching. This time, I'll take some of the goods first and increase the purchase volume later."

With the comprehensive advancement of trade and investment between China and Africa, infrastructure construction and other aspects, confidence and expectations are surging at this expo. More and more African partners are transporting high-quality and distinctive products to the Chinese market through convenient channels, and an increasing number of Chinese enterprises are choosing to "go global" to Africa.

The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo was held in Changsha on June 12th. Photo by Liu Qiong, Xinhua News Agency reporter

This vibrant and promising land of Africa is attracting an increasing number of Chinese enterprises there. Liu Huan, the CEO of Huada Wanwu, said that Huada Wanwu, with perennial rice technology at its core, has established a complete system from variety selection and breeding to technology promotion in many African countries. This time, it hopes to take the opportunity of the expo to expand the African market and promote perennial rice to more African countries.

As one of the guest countries of honor at this expo, Namibia hopes to strengthen cooperation between China and Namibia in areas such as green energy and cross-border trade through this expo. Ashpala Musavi, the Minister of International Relations and Trade of Namibia, said that China's high-level opening up to the outside world is steadily advancing at present. The prospects for Africa and China to jointly promote modernization are bright. She looks forward to exchanging, sharing knowledge and exploring investment opportunities with Chinese partners and other African countries.

Source: Xinhua News Agency