Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Jinhua Marks New Stage of Economic, Trade and Cultural Partnership

The Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation, held recently in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, marked a significant milestone in the deepening partnership between China and the African continent. Officials, business leaders, academics and cultural representatives from across Africa gathered with their Chinese counterparts to explore new avenues of collaboration that go beyond traditional trade, signalling a shift towards full industrial-chain cooperation and people-to-people exchange.

The forum comes at a time when both sides are reaffirming commitments made under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and aligning them with Africa’s development priorities under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Delegates stressed that the new phase of cooperation is anchored in mutual benefit, industrial upgrading, and sustainable development.

In his keynote address, a senior Chinese official highlighted China’s long-standing partnership with Africa and emphasised that the next decade will focus on building industrial capacity, advancing digital transformation, and strengthening cultural ties. “China and Africa share a history of solidarity. Today, our cooperation is entering a new era of high quality, where industrial value chains, skills development and shared governance experiences form the core of our partnership,” he said.

One of the key themes of the forum was the evolution of China-Africa cooperation from basic commodity trade to more integrated industrial-chain collaboration. African delegates noted that many African countries no longer want to remain exporters of raw materials. Instead, they aim to build domestic processing industries, promote value-addition, enhance manufacturing, and create more jobs for local populations.

Experts explained that provinces such as Zhejiang, long known for their manufacturing strength and digital innovation, offer valuable experience for African nations seeking to industrialise rapidly. Several African representatives visited local factories, e-commerce platforms, and logistics centres in Jinhua to better understand China’s production systems and digital economy.

Cultural exchange also played a prominent role in the discussions. Delegates underscored that people-to-people cooperation is fundamental in strengthening bilateral trust and fostering long-term partnerships. Exhibitions, performances, and cultural dialogues showcased the unique traditions of both China and various African countries, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for cultural diplomacy.

Education, tourism, youth innovation and language cooperation were also presented as critical pillars of the next phase of collaboration. Participants argued that cultural understanding helps support smooth economic cooperation and prevents miscommunication in investment and trade projects.

Governance exchange was another notable component of the forum. African policymakers held engagements with Chinese experts on city management, digital governance, poverty reduction models, and rural revitalisation. These discussions aimed to identify practical governance lessons applicable to African contexts, particularly in infrastructure planning, economic zones and public service optimisation.

Business delegates expressed optimism about expanding trade in agricultural products, textiles, electronics and creative industries. Many African enterprises also explored opportunities for cross-border e-commerce, taking advantage of China’s massive digital consumer base and logistical capabilities.

In closing remarks, organisers emphasised that the Jinhua forum represents a new stage in China-Africa cooperation one defined by modernisation, mutual learning and industrial synergy. They noted that the outcomes of the conference will contribute to meaningful progress at the next FOCAC summit.

As Africa seeks accelerated development and China continues its pursuit of high-quality opening-up, the forum reaffirmed that both sides remain committed to building a shared future marked by prosperity, cultural harmony and sustainable growth.