The China International Import Expo has provided a platform for the least developed African countries to showcase their unique agricultural products and access the Chinese market.

Since its first edition, the CIIE has actively invited the least developed countries (LDCs) to participate, offering each of them two free standard exhibition stands. Since the fifth edition, that number has increased to four.

In addition to the complimentary exhibition stands, the CIIE also identifies unique products with market potential from these countries and encourages them to be exhibited. Expo organizers assist exhibitors in connecting with buyers and partners, ensuring fruitful outcomes for them. Additionally, the CIIE creates opportunities for strong media coverage.

Sesame from Ethiopia is showcased at the CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Since 2018, approximately 30 enterprises from LDCs have attended the CIIE each year in search of business opportunities. Many of these enterprises, with the support of international organizations, have made their presence felt at the expo. For instance, companies from Madagascar and Mozambique have participated through the International Trade Centre of the United Nations, while others from the Central African Republic, Niger, Angola, and Somalia have utilized the services of the European American Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The African agricultural products pavilion at the sixth CIIE. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

At the sixth CIIE, the China Chamber of Commerce of I/E of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-products (CFNA) collaborated with entities such as ITC and Alibaba.com to establish an African agricultural products pavilion. The pavilion featured 20 agricultural exporters from nine of the least developed African countries, including Niger, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Benin, attracting considerable attention. Traditional African products like sesame, peanuts, and soybeans were the focus of Chinese buyers. The Benin booth was particularly popular, with a significant increase in online interest in Benin pineapples.

Data indicated that during the expo, the pavilion facilitated discussions between over 300 Chinese enterprises and African companies, with the intended purchase amounts exceeding expectations.

Sources: Xinhua, haiwainet.cn, CFNA

By Zhao Guangmei