[Video/chinadaily.com.cn]

"We need to have this kind of interaction with our Chinese counterparts to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between China and Africa " said Ndiaye M. Lamine, first counsellor at the Embassy of Cameroon in China, during a trade and economic exchange event held in Linyi, Shandong province on July 10.

The Seminar on Overseas Expansion for Linyi Enterprises with Economic Counsellors of African Embassies in China was part of the local government's efforts to strengthen trade cooperation between Linyi enterprises and African countries and support local businesses in expanding into African markets.

The event brought together diplomatic representatives from African countries and more than 50 key foreign trade enterprises from Linyi for face-to-face exchanges.

Discussions focused on overseas market expansion, overseas warehouse development, and participation in domestic and international trade exhibitions.

"I have interacted with a lot of companies, who expressed willingness to do business with Cameroon," said Lamine, adding that the exchanges had been fruitful.

The event provided a valuable platform for direct exchanges with African partners and will facilitate future economic and trade cooperation with African countries, according to representatives of local enterprises. 

China implemented a zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties on May 1, creating new opportunities for China-Africa trade.

As one of China's major commercial and logistics hubs, Linyi has made Africa a key market in its efforts to expand foreign trade. In the first quarter, the city's trade with Africa reached 6.74 billion yuan (about $940 million), up 16.6 percent year-on-year.