The Linyi, China-Economic and Trade Dialogue with Diplomatic Envoys of African Countries to China event opened in Shandong's Linyi on July 10, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation.

With Linyi's first-quarter trade with Africa reaching 6.74 billion yuan ($1 billion) — a 16.6 percent year-on-year increase — the city is capitalizing on its role as a global commodity hub to deepen industrial synergy.

The event gathered high-level delegates, including the ambassadors of Gabon and Malawi, alongside commercial counselors from Senegal and Cameroon, to focus on infrastructure, engineering machinery, and supply chain integration.

Participants engaged in targeted discussions and visited key local sites and enterprises like the Linyi Trade City and Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co Ltd (SDLG) to explore practical investment opportunities.

Baudelaire Ndong Ella, Ambassador of Gabon to China, emphasized Linyi's role as a "world supermarket", noting that Gabon seeks to deepen partnerships in strategic sectors like processing and manufacturing industries, modern agriculture, and infrastructure. He said Gabon recently launched an ambitious drive for economic modernization, continuously improving its business environment to attract foreign direct investment. Emphasizing a clear development vision, the ambassador assured that the Embassy of Gabon in China would provide full support to all Chinese investors and business practitioners who intend to launch projects in Gabon, fostering a long-term model of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Ambassador of Malawi to China, Allan Joseph Chintedza, lauded Linyi's contribution to building a community with a shared future for Africa and China. He highlighted how the African Continental Free Trade Area creates a historic opportunity for Chinese enterprises to invest, as goods produced in Africa will not be subjected to tariffs. Furthermore, the ambassador noted that to facilitate investment, the Malawi government established a "One Stop Service Centre" which has simplified the procedure of establishing a company in Malawi, inviting investors to experience the "Warm Heart of Africa".

The event aims to strengthen Linyi's position as a China-Africa trade hub and foster new growth in emerging markets, driving the city's role as an inland gateway for global opening-up. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

SDLG introduces its expertise and development vision to African diplomatic envoys at the event. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]