Close ties with African nations to be bolstered by CIIE
China DailyAfrican drummers perform at the sixth China International Import Expo in 2023. The annual CIIE, now gearing up for its seventh edition this November in Shanghai, is not merely a showcase for global products entering the vast Chinese market; it serves as a vital bridge connecting African nations with opportunities in trade, investment and economic development, thereby reinforcing the goals set forth at the FOCAC. "The CIIE presents African companies with a rare opportunity to seize market opportunities in China and around the world," said Costantinos Bt. South Africa, China's largest African trade partner and a key member of BRICS — an intergovernmental organization including Brazil, Russia, India and China — was honored as the guest country at the 2023 expo. "China has become a crucial trade partner for many of these countries, and platforms like the CIIE and Hongqiao Forum have played significant roles in fostering this partnership," said Fatima.