The Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo launched in Changsha City, Hunan Province, on Thursday, signaling deepening collaboration between the world's second-largest economy and Africa's 54 nations. With over 30,000 participants and 4,700 companies attending, the event underscores China's commitment to fostering economic partnerships under the theme "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization."
Strengthening Economic Ties
Preliminary agreements worth $11 billion highlight sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and digital innovation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China's role as a "true friend" to Africa, pledging expanded market access for African goods and support for industrialization. "China will always stand firmly with Africa," Wang stated, reaffirming alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 development framework.
High-Level Participation
Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Liberian Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung joined Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the opening ceremony. The expo features forums on cross-border e-commerce and green energy, reflecting Africa's growing demand for sustainable development solutions.
Shared Vision for Modernization
Wang Yi framed the expo as a platform to accelerate 10 partnership actions outlined at the 2021 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, including poverty reduction and digital innovation. The event aligns with China's broader Belt and Road Initiative, which has financed railways, ports, and industrial parks across Africa since 2013.
