The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa (Nigeria) & China Engineering Technology Exhibition was successfully held at the Abuja Trade and Convention Center in Nigeria from November 28-30, 2024. The theme of the event was “China and Africa Joining Hands for a Better Future”.
The event brought together more than 350 representatives from Chinese and African government, business, financial institutions, academia and media. Over 100 companies participated in the exhibition.
During the event, participants discussed key areas of China-Nigeria economic and trade cooperation. The Green Development Index in Africa and China-Africa Green Development Collaboration (2024) report was also released. The report provides empirical data and theoretical insights to strengthen the green cooperation between China and Africa.
The three-day exhibition showcased participants from various sectors, including infrastructure, new energy, engineering machinery, building materials, agricultural machinery and healthcare. These activities highlighted the immense potential and promising prospects for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, mentioned that during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two heads of state announced the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
This step opened a new chapter for pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Africa (Nigeria) is a significant event that implements the outcomes of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the FOCAC and the consensus reached by the two heads of state.It will further advance Nigeria’s industrialization and agricultural modernization, and promote deeper cooperation between China and Nigeria.
Lai Mingyong, Vice Chairman of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference, emphasized Hunan’s commitment to economic and trade cooperation with Africa. Hunan province is utilizing two major national-level platforms, including the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China-Africa Economic and Trade In-depth Cooperation Pilot Zone, to establish “six centers” and “three areas and one hall”.
The six centers are:
- African non-resource product distribution and trading center
- China-Africa cross-border e-commerce cooperation center
- China-Africa industrial chain incubation center
- China-Africa financial cooperation center
- China-Africa logistical cooperation center in western and central China
- China-Africa economic and trade exchange promotion center
The three areas mentioned are: An area for innovation in economic and trade cooperation with Africa, an area for in-depth economic and trade cooperation with Africa and an area for industrial chain cooperation with Africa. The one hall signifies a meeting point for economic and trade exchanges and cooperation with Africa.
According to the Minister of Transportation in Nigeria, Said Ahmed Alkali, this event is an important initiative in implementing the spirit of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). He emphasized the critical role of transportation infrastructure in national development and economic growth. He expressed hopes that the two countries will continue to advance infrastructure cooperation projects, with the goal of achieving seamless, affordable, and smart development in transportation infrastructure.
Participants from various sectors in China and Africa acknowledged that this event is not only a significant platform for China-Africa economic and trade exchanges, but also a representation of the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
