On the afternoon of April 21st, with the support of the Mission of China to the African Union (AU) and the Embassy of China to Ethiopia, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) Bureau and the Secretariat of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) hosted a symposium on the 9th CIIE promotion and 9th HQF consultation at the AU Headquarters. Held against the backdrop of China’s upcoming implementation, effective from May 1st, of a zero-tariff policy covering 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, this proactive outreach and consultation event targeting African countries and enterprises achieved positive outcomes.

H.E. Amb. Jiang Feng, Head of Mission of China to the African Union and Representative of China to the UNECA, attended and delivered a speech. He stated that in recent years, China has steadily expanded the scope of zero-tariff treatment for African products exported to China, simplified customs procedures, and enhanced trade facilitation. The CIIE and HQF have become important bridges connecting African countries with the Chinese market. He expressed hope that Chinese and African entrepreneurs will make full use of these two platforms and the zero-tariff measures to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, production capacity, and technology, so as to share the vast market and achieve win-win development.

Mr. Liu Xiaoguang, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of China to Ethiopia, also delivered a speech. He noted that the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Ethiopia has maintained healthy and stable development, and that bilateral economic and trade ties are closer than ever before. The CIIE and HQF are not only platforms for exhibition and exchange, but also bridges of cooperation and friendship. He welcomed more Ethiopian friends to participate in the events, seize the opportunities brought by China’s high-standard opening-up and zero-tariff policies, and jointly write a new chapter in China-Ethiopia economic and trade cooperation.

Representing the CIIE Bureau and the HQF Secretariat, Mr. Song Shangzhe  gave a keynote speech at the symposium. He introduced the CIIE and the HQF’s efforts in serving Africa’s development, their concrete practices in facilitating Global South countries in sharing China’s vast market to achieve common development, the preparations for the 9th CIIE and HQF, as well as the considerations for the theme and topics of the 9th HQF, while also listening to opinions and suggestions from various parties. Representatives of the organizing entities of the CIIE and the HQF gave specific presentations and engaged in consultations during the symposium. 

Remarks were delivered by Mrs. Ron Osman Omar, Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism, Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM), African Union Commission; Mr. Melaku Geboye Desta, Acting Director of Regional Integration and Trade Division and Coordinator of the African Trade Policy Centre, UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); and Dr. Amany Asfour, President of the Africa Business Council. Mr. Lyu Ruihao, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Mission to the AU, was also present.

Representatives from enterprises and business associations, including Mr. Gizat Worku, General Manager of the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association; Mr. Kassahun Mamo, D/Secretary General of Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA); Ms. Florence Wanja, Executive and Head of Business & Commercial Banking for East Africa, Stanbic Bank; Mr. Wang Hongsong, Chief Executive Officer of Bank of China (Djibouti) Limited; and Mr. Liu Jia, Deputy Chief Representative of ICBC Africa, spoke and exchanged views. Attendees stated that the open trade practices during the CIIE and HQF and policy benefits such as zero tariffs will effectively generate comprehensive synergies, promote China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, and help China and Africa jointly advance modernization. They expressed the expectation to further strengthen cooperation and put forward suggestions on refining the theme and topics of the 9th HQF.

The event was attended by over 80 people, including representatives from relevant departments of the AU Commission and UNECA, economic and trade officials from respective countries accredited to the AU, as well as representatives from enterprises and business associations. This marks the second time the CIIE and HQF have been hosted at the AU, following the previous event in May 2023.

During the stay in Ethiopia, the working group of the CIIE Bureau and the HQF Secretariat paid visits to Jiang Feng, and Chen Hai, Chinese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Ethiopia, to seek work guidance. They also visited Mrs. Ron Osman Omar, as well as institutions including the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce, engaging in in-depth exchanges on strengthening cooperation regarding the CIIE and HQF.