Over 12,000 participants from 44 African countries and six international organizations have registered for attending the upcoming fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) 2025, slated for June 12 to 15 in the central Chinese city of Changsha, according to an official on Wednesday.
Wang Junshou, vice governor of the People's Government of China's Hunan Province, the host province of the expo, briefed the media on the event's preparations at a press conference in Beijing.
He said that five African countries - the Republic of Congo, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Nigeria - will take part as the guest-of-honor countries, while Hubei Province and Chongqing Municipality will serve as the guest-of-honor provinces (municipalities).
This year's expo, Wang said, will focus on the needs of Chinese and African industries, with an emphasis on facilitating supply and procurement connections and showcasing distinctive exhibition features. The expo will feature sections on smart mining technology and equipment, clean energy, energy conservation and environmental protection, modern agricultural machinery, and construction machinery. New exhibits will include the China-Africa famous brands products, the African fine products, and the China-Africa fashion industry goods.
As an important platform for implementing the economic and trade initiatives of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the expo will organize over 20 economic and trade activities, covering areas such as infrastructure, textiles and apparel, and green minerals, as well as topics like innovation and entrepreneurship among Chinese and African youths, and dialogs between entrepreneurs from both sides, according to the official.
"The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo has successfully held three sessions, with a project implementation rate of 83 percent. Its brand influence continues to grow, becoming a shining symbol of Hunan’s opening up to the outside world,” said Wang at the news conference.
Over 12,000 participants register for attending upcoming China-Africa trade expo
Over 12,000 participants register for attending upcoming China-Africa trade expo
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
