The event was attended by officials from Jinhua and Zhejiang Province, as well as foreign African journalists participating in a four-month media exchange program organized by the China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC).
In his address, Zhu Chonglie, Secretary of the CPC Jinhua Municipal Committee, reflected on his recent visit to African countries, including Rwanda. During the visits, a Chinese delegation carried out 23 activities in the fields of foreign affairs, economy, trade, culture, and education, underscoring the strong China-Africa friendship and cooperation.
Zhu emphasized that cooperation with Africa is a major aspect of Jinhua’s opening-up and development strategy, adding that young people have the potential to carry forward the expectations of China-Africa friendship and play an irreplaceable role in China-Africa relations.
“We are ready to work with young friends to take this event as a new starting point to carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen solidarity and cooperation, and elevate China-Africa relations to new heights, achieving remarkable milestones,” Zhu stated.
“Youth will make contributions to the modernization endeavors of both China and Africa. President Xi Jinping has emphasized that China and Africa will jointly advance the modernization cause and create a better future for the two peoples. I hope that young friends will embrace a strong sense of mission and responsibility,” he added.
Zhu further expressed that with unique vision, vitality, and innovation, the youth will be pioneers in the modernization journey of China and Africa, play a crucial role in developing bilateral relations in the new era and significantly contribute to shared economic growth.
Jinhua, historically known as Wuzhou, covers an area of 11,000 square kilometers with a permanent population of 7.12 million. Zhu explained that Jinhua has established trade exchanges with all African countries and regions. About 30,000 Jinhua businessmen have been conducting business in Africa for many years, and over 5,000 African businessmen are engaged in economic and trade activities in Jinhua.
Recent data shows that exports to Africa have accounted for more than 8% of China’s total for nine consecutive years, ranking first among prefecture-level cities in China. Jinhua’s trade with Africa saw remarkable growth in 2023, reaching 116.85 billion yuan ($16.25 billion), which accounted for 30.8 percent of Zhejiang’s total trade.
This success is largely attributed to the city’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative over the past decade.
From 2014 to 2023, Jinhua’s cumulative import and export trade with Africa amounted to 740.27 billion yuan, with average annual export and import growth rates of 36.2 percent, 20.9 percent, and 19.8 percent, respectively. In 2023, Jinhua’s exports of indigenous brand products to Africa grew by 21.7 percent, contributing to a 0.9 percentage point increase in overall exports to Africa.
The week-long festival, which began on May 20, 2024, in Beijing, includes visits to various locations in China and is organized under the framework of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC).
Zhu expressed confidence in the outcomes of forums and engagements between Jinhua and Africa, citing the China (Zhejiang) China-Africa Economic and Trade Forum and various cultural cooperation activities as key platforms for exchange.
He highlighted the significance of this year’s festival and encouraged African youth to learn about Jinhua, experience Chinese traditional culture, deepen friendships, and share stories of China in Africa, as the foundation for their contribution to the shared modernization drive.
Zhao Xiyuan, Minister Counselor of the Department of African Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also highlighted the ongoing efforts of China and Africa to build a community with a shared future. He pointed out that the upcoming FOCAC meeting in September is expected to open new avenues for cooperation and stressed the need to strengthen friendly exchanges.
Mamby Keane Victoria, an African Youth Representative and Member of the National Assembly of Angola, praised the festival as a crucial platform for strengthening practical cooperation and exchanges across various sectors, including infrastructure, technology, and the economy.
He expressed hope that young people can significantly contribute to the shared vision and commended Chinese President Xi Jinping for attaching great relevance to China-Africa cooperation.
Yang Jiayun, a Chinese Youth Representative and Vice Director of the Zhejiang Wu Opera Research Center, welcomed the African youth to Jinhua, expressing confidence that the activities will continue to promote cultural exchanges.
The youths visited the Common Prosperity Belt in Jindong, witnessed Chinese rural culture, toured the China-Africa Museum at Zhejiang Normal University, and visited Leapmotor, a new energy vehicle manufacturer in Zhejiang. They also experienced Chinese traditional performances by the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe and participated in various cultural exchanges.
The festival itinerary includes a visit to Hengdian World Studios and multiple workshops designed to immerse participants in traditional Chinese culture.
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