As the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation opens on Wednesday, it marks another chapter in the growing partnership between China and the African continent.

The trade relationship has experienced significant growth over the past decade, fueled by strategic investments, trade agreements and robust diplomatic ties.

Statistics reveal that China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade reaching a record $282.1 billion in 2023.

This partnership is looking to be strengthened by the China International Import Expo, which has become a critical platform for fostering economic ties and promoting mutual growth.

The annual CIIE, now gearing up for its seventh edition this November in Shanghai, is not merely a showcase for global products entering the vast Chinese market; it serves as a vital bridge connecting African nations with opportunities in trade, investment and economic development, thereby reinforcing the goals set forth at the FOCAC.

'Rare opportunity'

Since its inception in 2018, the CIIE has rapidly grown in stature, becoming one of the world's most influential trade fairs. For African countries, the CIIE represents an opportunity to connect with Chinese consumers, investors and business leaders, and to secure lucrative trade deals that can boost their economies.

"The CIIE presents African companies with a rare opportunity to seize market opportunities in China and around the world," said Costantinos Bt. Costantinos, who served as an economic adviser to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Past CIIEs have served as a launchpad for African products in the Chinese market. Exhibitors have showcased an array of products, from agricultural commodities like coffee, tea and cocoa to artisanal crafts, textiles and manufactured goods.

For instance, while Kenya began exporting frozen avocados to China in 2019, it leveraged the CIIE 2022 to debut fresh avocados, aiming to boost exports.

As a result, 30 percent of Kenya's fresh avocado exports now go to China, with the export value surging from $1.08 million in 2022 to $7.6 million in the first nine months of 2023.

South Africa, China's largest African trade partner and a key member of BRICS — an intergovernmental organization including Brazil, Russia, India and China — was honored as the guest country at the 2023 expo. The event saw the debut of several countries, including the Central African Republic, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zimbabwe, highlighting the increased participation in this global trade platform.

To support African participation, the expo has provided free booths and tax incentives to some nations.

For example, due to a strong interest in food among Chinese consumers and policy support, Benin pineapples took center stage at the CIIE 2023, resulting in a significant number of orders. An exhibitor from Benin expressed satisfaction, noting the opportunity to secure major deals with Chinese companies.

The introduction of Benin pineapples at the sixth CIIE also opened doors for potential investment.

"In addition to ordering Benin pineapples, we plan to invest in building factories in Benin, leveraging our planting technology and advanced management expertise," said the head of Africa business at a Shanghai-based company.

Simon Pierre Adovelande, Beninese ambassador to China, sees the debut of Benin pineapples at the sixth CIIE as testament to the collaboration between China and Benin in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative. He has high hopes for economic and trade exchanges between the two countries.

The African agricultural products subsection, which made its debut at the sixth CIIE in November 2023, highlighted a range of distinctive produce.

"Sesame seeds from Mali, our primary agricultural product showcased at the expo, are of exceptional quality with high oil content, making them ideal for oil extraction," said a staff member at the subsection.

A Malian exhibitor observed that within just a few days of the expo, several Chinese companies approached them to discuss the purchase of sesame seeds. "The CIIE has provided us with both the opportunity and the platform to enter the Chinese market, and we are optimistic about our export prospects," the exhibitor said.

Key contribution

With the theme of "High-Standard Opening-up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization", the seventh Hongqiao International Economic Forum will take place alongside the CIIE. Its focus is promoting inclusive and beneficial economic globalization. Topics are to include artificial intelligence, new energy storage, industrial growth, sustainability and South-South cooperation.

During a consultation in Johannesburg, South Africa on April 12, experts and stakeholders contributed insights into the agenda for the seventh Hongqiao Forum.

Discussions centered around strengthening ties between China and Africa, with a focus on global openness, economic governance and sustainable development.

Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, chief executive of the South African Institute of International Affairs, noted that the forum's emphasis on global openness aligns with the trend of enhancing global economic governance.

The forum is also expected to address the importance of digital infrastructure in closing the development gap. As Africa's digital economy expands, there's a need for investment in technology to support widespread internet access and digital literacy.

During a consultation meeting for the seventh CIIE and Hongqiao Forum held at the United Nations headquarters in New York on May 9, UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima emphasized that least-developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states are facing complex challenges. She highlighted that trade could be a vital engine for these nations, driving economic growth, creating jobs and reducing poverty.

"China has become a crucial trade partner for many of these countries, and platforms like the CIIE and Hongqiao Forum have played significant roles in fostering this partnership," said Fatima.

The seventh Hongqiao Forum is set to be a crucial platform for in-depth discussions, highlighting the diverse perspectives and collaborative efforts that characterize the China-Africa partnership. The insights and outcomes from these discussions are expected to influence the future of economic and developmental cooperation between the two, positioning the forum as a landmark event in global economic dialogue.

2024 edition

With China expanding unilateral market access to least-developed countries and optimizing visa-free entry policies, foreign enterprises are showing increased enthusiasm for the CIIE.

As a result, the contracted exhibition area for the seventh edition has exceeded 360,000 square meters. More than 150 companies have signed contracts for seven consecutive years, underscoring the event's growing significance and appeal on the global stage.

The expanded African agricultural products subsection is expected to be a major hit this year. This section will promote greater economic inclusion while celebrating the rich diversity of global agricultural products, according to the CIIE Bureau.

"The CIIE is once again ready to offer unparalleled opportunities for African businesses, nations and organizations to showcase their achievements, forge new partnerships and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous global economy," said an official from the CIIE Bureau.