Introduction to the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo
I. Overview
The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is the first follow-up action of the “Eight Major Initiatives”. Co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) and the People’s Government of Hunan Province, the Expo is held biannually. The first three sessions were held in June 2019, September 2021, and June 2023, yielding fruitful results including the signing of 336 projects with a total investment of USD 53.32 billion and contributing to a major platform for the implementation of economic and trade initiatives under FOCAC, and a major window for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
The 4th CAETE is scheduled to be held in Changsha, Hunan in June 2025, with over 10,000 participants expected. The event will uphold the guiding principles outlined in President Xi Jinping’s significant remarks on China-Africa cooperation and his congratulatory letter to the 1st CAETE. To implement the “Ten Partnership Actions”, a variety of activities will be organized to bring together governments, local authorities, think tanks, enterprises, and financial institutions from both China and Africa and other parties to deliberate cooperation endeavors. It is expected to make solid progress in fostering high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
xxiv. Time: June 12-15, 2025
ii. Venue: Changsha International Conference Center (the main conference venue); Changsha International Exhibition Center (the main exhibition venue); China-Africa Economic and Trade Innovation Park in Hunan Gaoqiao Grand Market and Xiangtan Central International Machinery Park (sub-venues for the CAETE exhibition)
iii. Theme: China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization
iv. Sponsored by People’s Government of Hunan Province and Ministry of Commerce
v. Organized by Department of Commerce of Hunan Province, Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce, Foreign Affairs Office of Hunan Province, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Hunan Sub-Council, People’s Government of Changsha City, and People’s Government of Xiangtan City
II. Program
The 4th CAETE will organize major events, thematic events, and supporting events. Meanwhile, multiple side events will be organized.
i. Major Events: opening ceremony, leadership meetings, leadership tour, and reception dinner/luncheon.
ii. Thematic Events:
Business matchmaking events will be organized to advance the “Ten Partnership Actions” and to support the development of the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, contributing to the high-quality development of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
Special events for investment promotion, project roadshows, business matchmaking, and industrial chain cooperation are encouraged to foster bilateral and multilateral business cooperation.
1. China-Africa Industrial Chain Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It focuses on developing China-Africa industry cooperation growth clusters in Africa, advancing production-trade integration, and the coordinated development of industrial parks. The event will promote economic and trade cooperation zones in Africa, foster synergy across the industrial chain, and enhance industrial agglomeration. African countries will be invited to introduce their investment environments, facilitating the linkage and development of Chinese-built parks in Africa and those in China.
2. China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Connectivity under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. Infrastructure serves as the cornerstone of Africa’s development and a major area of China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Improving infrastructure is a shared aspiration and urgent priority for African countries.
3. China-Africa Clean Energy Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Green Development under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. Energy cooperation is a major area of China-Africa cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. Strengthening exchanges on power and new energy cooperation aligns with Africa’s urgent needs, enhances its capacity for indigenous development, and facilitates Chinese new energy companies to expand the African market.
4. China-Africa Green Mining Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. Africa is a major supplier of energy and minerals to China. This conference aims to facilitate collaboration between Chinese enterprises and their upstream and downstream supply chain partners in Africa. It also aims to encourage responsible mineral extraction and trade to reduce social and environmental risks associated with mining activities, showcasing the best practices of Chinese enterprises, especially mining enterprises, in fulfilling their social responsibilities in Africa and contributing to the sustainable development of the mining sector in Africa.
5. China-Africa Conference for Innovation and Cooperation in International Commercial Arbitration
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will focus on enhancing the legal service system for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, accelerating the establishment of the Hunan International Commercial Court, and discussing cutting-edge issues in international arbitration. Through dialogue and exchange on these topics, it aims to promote stable and sustainable China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
6. China-Africa Digital Economy Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation under the framework of “Ten Partnership Actions”. Africa holds vast potential for the digital economy. This conference will share global digital economy trends, discuss the opportunities and challenges in China-Africa digital economy cooperation, and promote further collaboration in this sector.
7. Project Fair of the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will serve as a platform to showcase the phased achievements of the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, its supporting policies and service framework, and encourage broader engagement in its construction. Additionally, by facilitating one-on-one networking for SMEs and relevant institutions, this conference aims to advance project implementation, foster trade deals, and attract key China-Africa cooperation entities to settle in the pilot zone.
8. China-Africa Agricultural Production and Trade Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will organize African countries (countries of honor) to present their investment environments and projects and release agricultural project demands from the countries of honor and other African countries so as to encourage Chinese enterprises to expand their investments in Africa and promote China-Africa agricultural cooperation.
9. China-Africa Conference for Cooperation in Manufacturing and Trade in Textiles and Clothing
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. African countries offer competitive manufacturing costs, a young population, and significant potential for economic growth and market demand. However, a textile industrial chain has yet to be developed. This conference aims to help Chinese enterprises gain insights into the investment policies for the textile industry of major African countries, promote investment in Africa, and facilitate the China-Africa trade in textiles and clothing.
10. China-Africa Conference for Cooperation in Pr production and Trade in Traditional Medicine
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and the Partnership Action for Health under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will showcase the achievements of TCM-based aid to Africa, release China-Africa TCM cooperation projects, and facilitate their effective implementation.
11. “Silk Road from the Heart”: China-Africa Cultural Industry Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will focus on enhancing trade and economic exchanges between the cultural industries, promoting practical collaboration in areas such as broadcasting and video content creation, technology transfer, talent cultivation, and market expansion.
12. Hunan Native Entrepreneurs Conference for China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will harness the influence of Hunan native entrepreneurs to establish a platform for their engagement in China-Africa economic and trade cooperation and encourage their greater participation.
13. Dialogue on Global Development Initiative (GDI)
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. With a focus on human resource development in Africa, it aims to cultivate new growth drivers for high-quality development, share best practices in advancing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and empower African countries to enhance their capacity for sustainable development.
14. China-Africa CEO Dialogue
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It will draw on resources from the Africa CEO Forum, bringing together leading Chinese and African industry leading lights to engage in dialogues and share development insights, so as to cultivate brand events under the expo.
15. China-Africa Dialogue on Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Introduction: The conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges and the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. Young people from China and Africa represent the future of China-Africa friendship.
This conference will share experiences in youth innovation and entrepreneurship, foster closer collaboration and exchanges among young people from China and Africa, and contribute to the stable and sustainable development of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.
16. Quality African Products Online Shopping Season
Introduction: The event aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions”. It focuses on expanding “Silk Road E-commerce” cooperation with Africa by promoting and selling quality African products and distinctive cultural and tourism products. Activities include setting up pop-up stores for African products, live-streaming sales with African ambassadors in China, and launching the “Exploring Hundreds of Stores and Thousands of Products on One Platform” project, among other distinctive initiatives.
17. Trade and Investment Matchmaking Conference for Chinese
Provinces/Municipalities/Autonomous Regions and African Countries (Multiple Sessions)
Introduction: Special trade and investment sessions will be held for major African partners, where Chinese companies will engage in talks with their African counterparts on specific projects. Activities organized by Hunan Province will include events such as the China Hunan (Changsha) - Africa Investment and Trade Cooperation Conference.
iii. Supporting Events: field trips and press conferences and other related events.
iv. Side Events
1. China-Africa Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Cooperation Conference
Introduction: The Conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions” for the purpose of supporting the pilot zone to serve as the African non-resource product distribution and trading center while expanding market access for African agri-products. It will introduce SPS standards, laws and regulations, the latest policies, testing technologies, food safety management practices, and biosecurity measures. China-Africa SPS cooperation cases will also b presented to facilitate policy communication, technical exchanges, and business collaboration.
2. China-Africa Private Sector Cooperation Forum
Introduction: This forum aims to implement both the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity and the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions” for the purpose of deepening China-Africa economic collaboration in the private sector, empowering private enterprises to capitalize on the prevailing trend of opening up and cooperation while contributing to the development of the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation. This is the third session of the forum hosted by ACFIC during the expo.
3. China-Africa Tropical Disease Conference
Introduction: This conference aims to implement the Partnership Action for Health under the framework of the “Ten Partnership Actions” for the purpose of expanding collaboration in healthcare and disease prevention and treatment. The event will facilitate knowledge-sharing for healthcare cooperation, featuring sessions for enterprise presentations and business matchmaking. It aims to promote the introduction of Chinese pharmaceutical enterprises, public health products, and tropical disease prevention technologies to Africa, enabling tangible benefits for the continent.
III. Exhibition
i. Time:June 12-15, 2025. The main exhibition venue will be open exclusively to professional visitors on June 12 and to the general public from June 13 to 15.
ii. Venue
Changsha International Exhibition Center serves as the main exhibition venue while China-Africa Economic and Trade Innovation Park in Hunan Gaoqiao Grand Market and Xiangtan Central International Machinery Park are designated as sub-venues for the exhibition.
iii. Introduction
Changsha International Exhibition Center, as the main exhibition venue, consists of six exhibition halls and an outdoor square for the exhibition, with an exhibition area of about 100,000 m2.
A designated area within the exhibition halls will be set up to provide venues for exhibitors and buyers to hold new product launches, company promotions, B2B networking, project signing, and other events. The China-Africa Economic and Trade Innovation Park in Hunan Gaoqiao Grand Market, the permanent CAETE exhibition hall, and the Xiangtan Central International Machinery Park will serve as sub-venues for the exhibition.
iv. Layout
1. Main Venue
The exhibition, positioned to be professional and market-oriented, innovatively features well-known brands, culture and tourism, fashion industry, smart mining technology and equipment, clean energy, energy conservation and environment protection, agricultural machinery, and construction machinery.
(1) Exhibition Highlights (W1). The exhibition will feature achievements of the China-Africa industrialization and agricultural modernization cooperation, well-known brands in China-Africa cooperation, China-Africa culture and tourism, China-Africa traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) cooperation, Expo partners, central state-owned enterprises (SOEs), countries of honor, province (municipality)
(2) African Products Exhibition (W2). It will showcase high-quality specialty products such as African specialty foods, agri-products, handicrafts, and daily consumer goods.
(3) Chinese Provinces (Municipalities, Autonomous Regions)
Exhibition (W3). It will be organized by provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions of China, encompassing sections such as Africa-oriented food and agri-products, and electromechanical products, healthcare, trade in services, and cross-border e-commerce.
(4) China-Africa Fashion Industry Exhibition (E1). This exhibition will feature jewelry, handicrafts, beauty and personal care products, wigs, fashion accessories (such as watches and glasses), sports facilities and equipment, branded bags, and other specialty items in China and Africa; a runway will also be set up for performances and fashion shows.
(5) Smart Mining Technology and Equipment Exhibition (E2). It will feature mining machinery, stone materials, sand and gravel, mine reclamation, solid waste management, smart mining equipment and technologies, etc.
(6) China-Africa Clean Energy, Energy Conservation, Environment Protection, and Modern Agricultural Machinery Exhibition (E3). It will feature the energy and power sector, new energy equipment, new energy vehicles, the environmental protection industry, modern agricultural machinery, etc.
(7) China-Africa Construction Machinery Exhibition (outdoor exhibition area).
Organized by Department of Commerce of Hunan Province and Trade Development Bureau of Ministry of Commerce.
2. Sub-venues
The China-Africa Economic and Trade Innovation Park in Hunan Gaoqiao Grand Market also serves as the permanent CAETE exhibition venue and the Xiangtan Central International Machinery Park will exhibit used construction machinery.
Organized by People’s Government of Changsha City and People’s Government of Xiangtan City.
The setup of the main venue and sub-venues will be subject to the composition of the exhibitors.
IV. Address
i. Main Conference Venue:
Changsha International Conference Center (No. 108 Guozhan Road, Changsha, Hunan, PRC)
ii. Main Exhibition Venue:
Changsha International Exhibition Center (No. 118 Guozhan Road, Changsha, Hunan, PRC)
iii. Sub-venues for the Exhibition:
China-Africa Economic and Trade Innovation Park (No. 578, Section 1, East 2nd Ring Road, Changsha, Hunan, PRC), Xiangtan Central International Machinery Park (No. 8 Wotu Road, Changsha, Hunan, PRC).