Latest news with #CAETE
The Star
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Interview: China-Africa trade expo catalyzes economic cooperation, says Zimbabwean official
HARARE, June 23 (Xinhua) -- The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) is a huge success and serves as a catalyst for enhanced trade relations between China and Africa, Allan Majuru, chief executive officer (CEO) of Zimbabwe's trade promotion agency ZimTrade, told Xinhua Monday. In a written interview, Majuru showered praise on the expo for helping Zimbabwean companies to gain more knowledge about the requirements of the Chinese market. "The CAETE plays a pivotal role in deepening China-Africa cooperation by facilitating trade and investment opportunities, encouraging knowledge and technology transfer, and strengthening diplomatic and economic ties," he said. "For Zimbabwe, the expo served as a strategic platform to explore best practices, market trends, and trade opportunities within the Chinese market. Zimbabwean enterprises gained valuable insights into product standards, packaging requirements, and consumer preferences, which are critical for enhancing export competitiveness," Majuru added. The expo, which was held in central China's Hunan Province from June 12 to 15, gathered nearly 4,700 Chinese and African companies as well as over 30,000 participants. According to Zimtrade, a total of 10 Zimbabwean companies participated in the expo, covering various sectors, including horticulture, craft and leather products. "The participants reported positive outcomes, including networking opportunities, secured deals, and potential partnerships with Chinese buyers. The expo provided them with firsthand exposure to China's market dynamics, helping them refine their export strategies," Majuru said. Zimbabwe is already benefiting from existing trade protocols with China, particularly for citrus and avocado exports, and during the expo, significant potential was identified for macadamia nuts in the Chinese market, he said. "To capitalize on these opportunities, the government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and in collaboration with ZimTrade, is actively working to align local production with Chinese market demands, ensuring compliance with international standards," Majuru said, adding that initiatives such as capacity-building workshops, trade missions, and exporter training programs are being implemented to strengthen Zimbabwe's export readiness. The CEO said that given the growing demand for Zimbabwean products in China, ZimTrade anticipates increased local participation in future expos. "ZimTrade, as the national trade development and promotion organization, is intensifying efforts to prepare more exporters through targeted initiatives such as business seminars, business-to-business matchmaking programs and follow-up trade missions to sustain business linkages," he said. "Additionally, the government of Zimbabwe is fostering an enabling trade environment through policy support, including the implementation of bilateral trade agreements and export incentives, ensuring that local businesses maximize such platforms," he added. "For Zimbabwe and China, the expo serves as a catalyst for enhanced trade relations, building on existing frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and bilateral trade protocols," the CEO said, adding that Zimbabwe's participation underscores the government's commitment to expanding exports under the "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" mantra, with ZimTrade spearheading market penetration strategies. "These strategies aim to increase awareness of Zimbabwean products in China, strengthen institutional linkages between trade agencies, and align policy to ease market access for Zimbabwean goods," he added.
Business Insider
22-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
China breaks into Malawi's mining sector with $7 billion investment package
The government of Malawi has signed a landmark $7 billion agreement with Chinese conglomerate, Hunan Sunwalk Technology Group, marking the largest foreign investment in the nation's mining sector. Malawi signed a $7 billion deal with Hunan Sunwalk Technology Group for a titanium extraction project and mineral processing facility. This agreement reflects Malawi's strategic shift towards international partnerships for its natural resource sector. Malawi's government sees the deal as a pivotal step towards transforming mining into an economic growth driver. The deal, signed on June 16, 2025, during the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha, China, includes a large-scale t itanium extraction project in Salima and the creation of a state-of-the-art mineral processing facility in the country. Following the signing, the country's Minister of Mining, Dr. Ken Zikhale Ng'oma, hailed the deal as a strategic breakthrough, emphasizing its alignment with President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera's long-term vision of transforming mining into a key driver of the national economy. ' This MoU signals a new era; anchored on sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth. It aligns squarely with President Chakwera's agenda to turn mining into a driver of national development,' Ng'oma said. China deepens relations in Malawi's mining sector Notably, Hunan Sunwalk CEO and Founder Hou Xingwang described the agreement as a strategic milestone for both nations, stating that it will, ' facilitate the flow of capital, technology, and skilled human resources between China and Malawi ' He also expressed interest in exploring investments in agriculture and other sectors to contribute to Malawi's broader economic development. Ng'oma emphasized that the partnership goes beyond raw material extraction, delivering technological transfer, strict environmental compliance, and human resource development. He highlighted Hunan Sunwalk's successful performance in Zimbabwe as a testament to the company's capabilities. Reassuring the public, the Minister said, " This is the first time Malawi has entered into such a comprehensive MoU with a multinational mining corporation. ' ' We ensured that due diligence was conducted thoroughly, and we are confident that the interests of Malawians are well protected." He added. Officials from both parties described the agreement as a "win-win" venture, with potential to create thousands of new jobs, infrastructure development, and enhance economic growth. The Chinese company has reportedly commenced exploration and feasibility studies in the Salima District. As more African countries move away from traditional EU and US aid models, which often come with allegiance requirements, Malawi is among those eagerly anticipating the transformation of its natural resource sector through partnership with China.
Zawya
18-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
China announces zero-tariff access for African countries, boosting trade opportunities
China has announced a zero-tariff policy granting duty-free access to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This significant move, announced in mid-2025, aims to deepen trade ties and open the Chinese market to a wider range of African products. The policy is expected to enhance export opportunities across the continent, positioning African businesses to better compete in the world's second-largest economy. In line with this development, Wesgro, the Western Cape's trade, tourism, and investment promotion agency, recently facilitated the participation of a Western Cape delegation at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), held from 12 to 15 June 2025 in Changsha, China. CAETE is one of the largest trade exhibitions globally, creating direct linkages between African businesses and the Chinese market. The delegation included exporters and trade facilitators showcasing products such as organic cosmetics, wines, spices, fresh flowers, teas, and nutritional goods. Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander says: "China is a key trading partner for the Western Cape. In 2024, total exports from the province to China reached R11.76bn, making it one of the largest export markets for the province. "If we are to realise our provincial objective of trebling exports from the province by 2035, growth in new markets will be essential. Over the coming weeks, Wesgro will work to understand how businesses can best leverage new opportunities flowing from this announcement.' The agency continues to focus on expanding access to other strategic markets, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), India, Brazil, and the Middle East. 'Market diversification is critical to building resilience and long-term growth for Western Cape businesses,' Stander added. 'By supporting engagements in key global markets like China, we're advancing our strategic mandate to drive trade and investment.' Strategic partnerships drive African market access Andrew Robertson, head of business enablement and operations at business and commercial banking, Standard Bank Group, highlighted the catalytic potential of China's zero-tariff policy for African exporters, saying: 'At Business and Commercial Banking, we pride ourselves on turning possibilities into opportunities for the businesses that power Africa's vibrant economies. "China's zero-tariff policy presents a catalytic opportunity, and through strategic platforms and our strategic partnerships with entities such as Wesgro, we support businesses convert policy into progress by unlocking direct access to high-potential buyers,' says Robertson. 'By leveraging our digital trade capabilities, sector-specific support, and cross-border partnerships, we empower clients to start, manage and grow, not just in China, but across the African continent and other key global markets. We are about enabling long-term growth through market access that is practical, scalable and sustainable.' Wesgro has partnered with Standard Bank Group to facilitate Western Cape exporters' participation at CAETE 2025, connecting local businesses directly with Chinese buyers and fostering market access under this new trade landscape. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Korea Herald
17-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Xinhua Silk Road: Coffee industry-related trade co-op highlighted at side event of China-Africa expo
BEIJING, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A coffee industry promotion event held during the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) attested again to how a Chinese county endeavored to leverage opening-up to foster new growth drivers. Located in Hunan Province in central China, Changsha County, part of the provincial capital Changsha City, blueprinted a coffee industrial chain park to fill in the vacuum of premium African coffee beans-based coffee industrial chain in China. Via businesses inviting and professional operation, Changsha County expects the annual output value of the park, which sits in the Airport Sub-area of Changsha Area in China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone, to exceed one billion yuan and countywide coffee bean import to surpass two billion yuan by 2027. On June 13, the county embraced a batch of seven quality investment projects for the emerging local coffee industry and businesses from Hunan Province attending the event concluded related contracts. These projects, which include industrial complexes, corporate headquarters and online platforms, cover African coffee bean-related production and processing, storage and logistics, trade, and product R&D. Hence, the Chinese county took a solid step forward in shaping an inland hub for opening-driven development to cultivate new growth engines and deepen China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. Currently, Changsha County's coffee industry is starting to unlock its own potential and fascination due to convenient transport, vigorous consumer market and pleasant business environment, said Chen Yonggao, head of Changsha County during the event. In the future, Chen expressed his hopes for related businesses to be long-term partners, pacesetters and co-builders of the county's coffee industry to reap benefits earlier, make breakthroughs in sub-sectors, and establish a vibrant coffee industry ecosystem to bring local coffee to a broader market. Year to date, the county has incorporated its coffee industry planning into local 2026-2030 development plan to delve deeper into the African market. Accordingly, Changsha County will focus on the coffee industrial chain park's production and processing, storage and logistics, sci-tech innovation service, cultural experience and transaction service to further tap into the growing China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. From January to April of this year, Changsha County saw local trade with African countries rise 108 percent year on year to 4.104 billion yuan.
Cision Canada
17-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Xinhua Silk Road: Coffee industry-related trade co-op highlighted at side event of China-Africa expo
BEIJING, June 17, 2025 /CNW/ -- A coffee industry promotion event held during the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) attested again to how a Chinese county endeavored to leverage opening-up to foster new growth drivers. Located in Hunan Province in central China, Changsha County, part of the provincial capital Changsha City, blueprinted a coffee industrial chain park to fill in the vacuum of premium African coffee beans-based coffee industrial chain in China. Via businesses inviting and professional operation, Changsha County expects the annual output value of the park, which sits in the Airport Sub-area of Changsha Area in China (Hunan) Pilot Free Trade Zone, to exceed one billion yuan and countywide coffee bean import to surpass two billion yuan by 2027. On June 13, the county embraced a batch of seven quality investment projects for the emerging local coffee industry and businesses from Hunan Province attending the event concluded related contracts. These projects, which include industrial complexes, corporate headquarters and online platforms, cover African coffee bean-related production and processing, storage and logistics, trade, and product R&D. Hence, the Chinese county took a solid step forward in shaping an inland hub for opening-driven development to cultivate new growth engines and deepen China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. Currently, Changsha County's coffee industry is starting to unlock its own potential and fascination due to convenient transport, vigorous consumer market and pleasant business environment, said Chen Yonggao, head of Changsha County during the event. In the future, Chen expressed his hopes for related businesses to be long-term partners, pacesetters and co-builders of the county's coffee industry to reap benefits earlier, make breakthroughs in sub-sectors, and establish a vibrant coffee industry ecosystem to bring local coffee to a broader market. Year to date, the county has incorporated its coffee industry planning into local 2026-2030 development plan to delve deeper into the African market. Accordingly, Changsha County will focus on the coffee industrial chain park's production and processing, storage and logistics, sci-tech innovation service, cultural experience and transaction service to further tap into the growing China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. From January to April of this year, Changsha County saw local trade with African countries rise 108 percent year on year to 4.104 billion yuan.
