As part of the Belt and Road plan, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, urged for more strategic Chinese investments during the China-Africa CEO Dialogue, which took place in Changsha, Hunan Province.
The CEO Dialogue was one of the main highlights of the 4th China-Africa Economic & Trade Expo (CAETE), which took place from June 12–15.
Over 500 high-ranking officials from various government departments, including the CEOs of government agencies, multinational corporations, international organizations, the Africa Chamber of Commerce, Business Associations & Enterprises, financial institutions, and representatives from the China Africa Development Fund (CADFund), were drawn to the Dialogue.
Both the Chinese and African business communities used the platform to expand their interactions, concentrating on financial innovation and green energy as ways to boost economic growth.
During her speech, the Minister emphasized Ghana’s distinct offering, which is based on a tranquil business environment, the rule of law, and a strategic location in the middle of the world to cater to the global market.
According to her, the nation still draws significant Chinese private sector players, and brands like Huawei, Sentuo, Sunda, Keda, Zonda Sinotruk, and Sunon Asogli are now well-known.
As a result, the Minister encouraged other possible Chinese investors to benefit from the government’s special 24-hour economic policy.
The Minister also presented a compelling argument for Africa, pointing out that 40 African nations, including Ghana, are predicted to attain post-higher growth rates than those of 2023, making Africa the continent with the second-fastest expanding economy in the world this year.
Africa is at a turning point in its history of industrial growth, innovation, and transformation, the Minister noted.
The real promise of Africa, in her opinion, is found not only in its resources but also in its capacity to develop, process, and refine raw materials into high-value goods that support sustainable growth and generate jobs.
“Let us move beyond traditional trade relationships and embrace transformational partnerships, ones that promote technology exchange, sustainable industrial practices, and globally competitive African enterprises,” said the Minister.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offers enterprises a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reach a market of 1.3 billion people with a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion and a developing middle class. The Minister encouraged Chinese businessmen to take advantage of this opportunity.
Through signing or matchmaking during the exhibition, the recently concluded 4th CAETE was anticipated to finalize 128 cooperation agreements with a combined value of over $7 billion. These projects covered industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, logistics, healthcare, and information services.
Chief Diana Chen, Chair of Choice International Group; Miss Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations & Assistant General of the United Nations & Assistant Administrator and Director of Regional Bureau for Africa, UNDP; Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi, Director General, Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership; and H.E. Cao Zhiqiang, Vice Governor of People’s Government of Hunan Province, were among the other high government officials who spoke at the plenary session.
Source: newsthemegh.com