Guizhou furthers cooperation with Africa at CAETE

The 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo attracts 1,500 exhibitors both from China and abroad. [Photo/ddcpc website] 

Southwest China's Guizhou province showcased its open image and keen interest in promoting trade with other countries at the 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province, from June 29 to July 2. 

At Guizhou's 165-square-meter exhibition area, its achievements in investment cooperation with Africa, successful project cases, Guizhou enterprises' overseas reputation, and advantageous exports to Africa were all exhibited. 

Wine, tea, agricultural specialties, guitars, and characteristic clothing made by 26 Guizhou exhibitors attracted the attention of many businesspeople at the expo. 

"Africa is rich in mineral resources and local mines have hard rocks, which creates a large demand for drilling equipment and consumables. As a company engaged in the research and production of drilling tools, we have been in the African market for more than a decade. We hope to connect with more potential partners through this expo and further explore the African market," said Li Shuijin, sales manager of JSI Rock Tools Co based in Guizhou.

During the four-day expo, Guizhou enterprises also participated in activities such as the China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation Forum, China-Africa Forum on Agricultural Products Industry Chain Cooperation, and China-Africa Food and Agricultural Products Trade and Investment Fair, promoting new achievements in economic and trade cooperation with Africa. 

Guizhou's exhibition area at the 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo. [Photo/ddcpc website]

In recent years, Guizhou has forged closer economic and trade exchanges with the continent.

Africa is an important market for Guizhou's foreign contracted projects, exports and imports. In 2022, 17 percent of the province's turnover of completed foreign contracted projects came from Africa; and the foreign trade value with African countries accounted for about 5 percent of the province's total. So far, Guizhou has had trading ties with 45 African countries.

Businesspeople from Africa talk with a Guizhou businessman at the expo. [Photo/colorful Guizhou network] 

Since its launch in 2019, the biennial CAETE has become one of the most important exchange events between China and African countries in terms of the economy and trade. 

This year's CAETE attracted 1,500 exhibitors, up 70 percent from the previous edition. Some 1,590 exhibits from 29 countries, including red wine, coffee, handicrafts, engineering machinery, medical equipment, and daily necessities, were demonstrated, a jump of 165.9 percent. 

According to the Guizhou Department of Commerce, the expo provides a convenient platform for Guizhou enterprises to go abroad and expand their share of the African market.