On September 5, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). President Xi proposed that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations. Xi also proposed that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. To promote modernization, Xi proposed 10 partnership actions to be implemented in the coming years.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit

On September 6, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the 8th Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs. He stated that the president had announced a package of new initiatives for practical cooperation with Africa at the opening ceremony of the FOCAC Summit. These initiatives aim to help China and Africa pursue modernization and lead the modernization of the Global South, drawing on China's own modernization experience. This highlights the significance of Chinese-style modernization to both the world and the current global situation. With a foundation of solid friendship, China is ready to work together with Africa to advance modernization through mutual learning and shared benefits.

Feng Xingya attended the opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit at the Great Hall of the People

As a key participant in China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, Feng Xingya, President of GAC Group, was invited to attend the opening ceremonies of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and the 8th Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs. He joined representatives from the governments and business communities of China and Africa to witness this significant event, strengthen exchanges on China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, and share development opportunities.

Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly (right) and Feng Xingya (left)

During the summit, Feng Xingya engaged in an in-depth and productive discussion with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to explore new directions for China-Egypt cooperation. In addition, Feng Xingya exchanged views with Chen Hai, the Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia, who welcomed and supported GAC’s plan to establish a local assembly plant in Ethiopia. He also assured that the necessary support would be provided to further develop the local automobile industry. Feng Xingya also engaged in a meaningful discussion with representatives from both the Chinese and African business communities on key issues, including the deep integration of industrial and supply chains, the development of emerging industries, and cooperation in industrial infrastructure. They also explored the vast opportunities for collaboration presented by the summit’s new initiatives. Feng Xingya stated that GAC will continue to promote China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, which has a long history. The goal is to elevate it to a higher quality and deeper level, working together to create a mutually beneficial future.

Feng Xingya at the opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit

In recent years, under the framework of FOCAC and the “Belt and Road” Initiative, GAC Group has actively explored the African market. It has also established a well-developed sales network across 16 African countries, including Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Angola, Libya, and Cote d'Ivoire. In addition, GAC has set up assembly plants in Nigeria and Tunisia, delivering advanced products that showcase craftsmanship and technological innovation to local consumers. This initiative is accelerating the upgrading of the automobile industry, fostering economic growth, and enhancing living standards in Africa through GAC's expertise and strength.

The 2024 FOCAC Summit marks a new and significant milestone in China-Africa relations. The participation of Feng Xingya and his delegation, along with their exchanges, has injected strong momentum into GAC’s expansion and cooperation in the African market. Since 2024 marks the 11th anniversary of the “Belt and Road” Initiative, GAC Group will explore the African market scientifically with a more strategic vision, a more open approach to cooperation, and a more precise planning and layout. This will deepen cooperation with African partners in the automobile industry, fostering win-win development for both sides. Additionally, it will showcase GAC’s commitment and responsibility as a state-owned enterprise based in Guangzhou. (GAC International. Part of this article is from Xinhua News.)