Wednesday December 4th has seen all roads heading to Easeland Holiday Inn Yilin in the Baiyun district of Guangzhou as the groundbreaking ceremony commenced. The “Entering Africa, Assisting Guangdong Enterprises to go Global “theme welcomed several African countries diplomats and African countries representatives among them Countries such as Mali, Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Senegal, Congo, Ghana, Cote’dIvoir and many more . African students from schools across Guangzhou also couldn’t let this opportunity pass them as they showed up for the occasion. The event though, was beyond individuals as it paved way for Guangdong enterprises to understand the fundamental opportunities in carrying out their business activities in Africa.
The event aimed to promote the investment and business environment of African Countries and help enterprises to further explore Africa in a relaxed, easy and free atmosphere.
Opening the ceremony, Mrs. Cui Shuang, the Vice President of The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Guangdong Committee introduced the countries which had representatives present and those countries included Uganda, Zambia, Sudan, Nigeria, Mali, Ethiopia, Senegal, Angola, Cote d voire, Congo and Ghana, She welcomed as well distinguished guests from The Foreign Affairs Office, People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangdong Committee and The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and African Business Associations Present . Lastly she welcomed the enterprises who had come to Exhibit their business operations and would be present for the 5th Of December African Students Job Fair.
The president of the CCPIT Guangdong Mr. Fang Liwu gave the first Key-note Speech.He outlined the outstanding progress of Guangdong province in its endeavors to promote Africa in the Province and build relationship with African Countries to Channel more industries that will create wealth and support international trade and investments.
The third speaker was Mr. Jiao Fangtai, the Vice President of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, who in his speech highlighted on how safety, and togetherness was one of the key points in the relationships that were founded today. He also spoke about how the business relationship between most African countries and China were really beneficial to both parties and he hoped that kind of environment continued for a better tomorrow.
The fourth speaker Mrs. Alima Danfakha Gakou- Consulate General of Mali and also the Dean of Consulates General of African Countries in Guangzhou, In her speech she congratulated Africa Guangdong Business Association in organizing this event, and commissioned the Guangdong Enterprises to establish more partnerships in diverse industries to balance trade between China and Africa.
The fifth speaker was Mr. Cheng Yuejin, the Vice President of Africa-Guangdong Business Association and he spoke about the relationship between China and Kenya. He also hinted on how both countries were enjoying the friendship ending on to briefly highlight how much progress Kenya has made in as far as technology and other avenues supported by China are concerned.
It was after the fifth speaker that the booths were opened to allow interaction among all parties, the 30 companies, Consulate officials, and the African investors that attended the event.
In a presentation on the first session of “Investing experience sharing by enterprise” Experience sharing, Al Heelam Group presented their investments in more than 17 African countries. Al Heelam spoke firmly on how the young people in East Africa do not lack creativity and ingenuity but how much they need formal skills.
Mrs Tracy HUO- Vice President of Africa Guangdong Business Association was the final Speaker of the day, as the one of the top officials from the organizing organizations. Tracy HUO spoke at length about Industrialization and Risk Management in Africa as she further discussed the The opportunities and risks of Entering the African Market. She highlighted researched solutions to the problems. In her concluding statement spoke about how Industrial Parks are the modern way of doing things and she enlightened the crowd on how many countries have benefited and are enjoying the usefulness of these Industrial Parks.
She ended by thanking all the members of different committees that assisted in organizing the event and welcomed all to attend the African Student Job fair on 5th December 2019 (the following day)
By: AGBA