Changsha, 3 July 2023 (TDI): The third edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo concluded on Sunday July 2, leaving a trail of groundbreaking achievements and a strengthened partnership between China and Africa.
With a record-breaking number of projects signed and an overwhelming display of products, this year’s expo has set a new benchmark for economic cooperation. A remarkable $10.3 billion worth of agreements were inked during the four-day event, comprising a total of 120 projects.
Among these, 99 cooperation initiatives were unveiled, amounting to an impressive $8.7 billion. Surpassing all previous records, 11 African countries contributed significantly to these figures by launching a staggering 74 projects.
The expo saw an exponential increase in both diversity and quantity of showcased commodities. Nearly 1,600 products from 29 African nations were exhibited, indicating a remarkable 166-percent surge compared to the previous expo.
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The event witnessed active participation from 1,500 exhibitors, signifying a substantial 70 percent growth from the previous session. Additionally, the presence of 9,000 buyers and professionals added to the vibrant atmosphere, with the total number of visitors surpassing 100,000.
The expo played a pivotal role in deepening the economic cooperation between China and Africa, resulting in significant accomplishments for both sides. Throughout the exhibition, 34 cooperation achievements spanning eight categories were announced, covering areas such as standards and specifications, research reports, and statement initiatives.
China-Africa trade index
One of the noteworthy highlights of the expo was the release of the China-Africa trade index, which showcased an impressive growth trend. Starting with a base of 100 points in 2000, the index reached an astounding 990.55 points in 2022.
This data, provided by China’s General Administration of Customs, demonstrates the remarkable progress and continuously ascending trajectory of China-Africa economic and trade relations. Additionally, the publication of the China-Africa economic partnership report contributes to a better understanding of the depth and significance of the bilateral alliance.
On the sidelines of 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), Ambassador Xue Bing, the Special Envoy for Horn of Africa Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), organized a workshop focused on enhancing collaboration between China and the Horn of Africa (HoA).
Representatives from the HoA region participated in the workshop, where they exchanged valuable insights on implementing the “Outlook on Peace and Development for the Horn of Africa” and fostering tangible cooperation initiatives.
