Aligned with the theme of the 2024 FOCAC summit, which takes place from Sept. 4 to 6, the Eighth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs (hereinafter referred to as "the conference") was held on Sept. 6 in Beijing.
The occasion highlights two topics, the promotion of integration of industrial and supply chains and the promotion of the development of emerging industries. As it attracts nearly 1,000 participants from the African continent, the conference plays a decent role in elevating trade relations between China and Africa to a new level.
Dassekpo Mawule Jean-Baptiste, an associate professor in Shenzhen Polytechnic University, thinks Guangdong Province has a huge share of interest in this conference. "So whether you are manufacturing, or making equipment, and no matter what business you do, you would have to stop by Guangzhou." Mr. Dassekpo noted, "So if there is no Guangdong, maybe there aren't that many foreigners in China, especially us Africans."
As the gateway toward African world, Guangdong Province has made up the largest amount of trade towards Africa, with total imports and exports exceeding 270 billion yuan in 2023, a growth of 3.9%.
With strong expertise in building materials and green construction, Dassekpo works actively turning waste into building materials, which aligns with the concept of turning waste into treasure, in Shenzhen.
He sees a cooperation pattern where research facilities, digital devices are used in R&D programs with Africa. "African countries like my home country Benin can and should team up with Chinese universities on scientific projects," he said, "and they should be tailored to the need of every African country."
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