The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) kicked off in Changsha, Hunan Province in the Chinese mainland from June 12 to 15. Under the theme "China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization," the event brings together diverse sectors from agriculture to clean energy.
As of June 11, the expo has registered over 300,000 participants from 53 African countries, 27 Chinese provincial-level regions and 11 international organizations, alongside more than 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises, business associations, and financial institutions.
Since its inception in 2019, CAETE has facilitated the signing of 336 cooperation projects valued at $53.32Â billion, cementing its role as a catalyst for China-Africa collaboration. This year, organizers anticipate up to 128 new projects worth over $7Â billion in sectors like transportation, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, information services and culture.
The expo showcases strengths in modern agricultural machinery, smart mining technology, traditional medicine, cultural industries and youth entrepreneurship. For Chinese enterprises, CAETE and similar platforms act as springboards for expansion into African and other global markets, promoting people-to-people exchanges and international cooperation.
Africa stands to gain from enhanced market access and targeted investments in critical sectors. Special measures at this expo offer zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines from the least developed African countries, boosting visibility for African brands in the Chinese market.
Beyond CAETE, the exhibition industry in the Chinese mainland is booming: in 2024 alone, 3,844 economic and trade events were hosted, with total exhibition space growing 10.1 percent year-on-year to 155Â million square meters. These platforms drive technology transfer, infrastructure financing and skills development worldwide.
By connecting innovators, investors and changemakers, the fourth CAETE is building bridges for development and modernizing traditional industries on both continents. As global trade evolves, these partnerships signal fresh opportunities for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Reference(s):
China-Africa economic and trade expo: Building bridges for development
cgtn.com
