A newly launched international business center in Guangzhou's Nansha District is accelerating China-Africa trade, as the country's international trade maintains upward momentum.
The China-Africa Greater Bay Area International Business Center, the first comprehensive service platform in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area focused on China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, was officially inaugurated and put into operation in Nansha on Tuesday. The launch ceremony also marked Madagascar's official entry into the center as a participating partner.
China's foreign trade rose six percent year on year in the third quarter of this year, marking its eighth straight month of expansion. Driving this sustained growth is a deepening wave of cooperation with global partners, notably with Africa.
At the southern edge of Guangzhou, Nansha District has become known for its smart ports and free trade policies. Now, it's taking center stage with the opening of a dedicated international business hub designed to transform China-Africa economic blueprints into real working projects.
Its first official partner is Madagascar, an island nation off Africa's southeastern coast.
"Nansha's ports are very advanced and we hope to build our own too. Madagascar is rich in resources and young talent, but we need stronger technology and education. With China's partnership, we can grow together and create real win-win progress," said Jean Louis Robinson, ambassador of Madagascar to China.
From bonded warehouses and deep-water terminals to preferential tax policies and 25 direct shipping routes to Africa, Nansha is being positioned as China's maritime gateway to the continent.
The newly launched trade cooperation center offers "one-stop" services that include policy consultation, legal support, investment facilitation, and supply chain coordination, all under one roof.
Already, it's spotlighting popular Chinese exports to Africa like motorcycles and batteries, and opening the door to collaboration in sectors such as digital technology and clean energy.
"Traditionally, China's exports focused on sectors like power, healthcare, agriculture, and trade. Now, it's high-tech. There's huge demand for new energy and EVs (electric vehicles) in Africa. We can also see huge potential in digital finance, talent exchange, and cultural tourism, areas where we can truly take the lead," said Huang Zhaojin, executive chairman of the China-Africa Friendly Economic and Trade Development Foundation.
The initiative follows a broader national trend. In the first nine months of this year, China's exports increased by 7.1 percent year on year. Mechanical and electrical products, particularly EVs, batteries, and solar panels, all posted double-digit growth.
Officials said Nansha's new platform will help spur further joint investments in agriculture, mining, clean energy, and smart port development, helping build lasting ties between China and Africa.
Int'l business hub in Guangzhou boosts China-Africa trade
