The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit is set to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6.
On September 3, the SME team was honored to participate in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation - Djibouti International Free Trade Zone Forum held in Shanghai. This forum, strongly supported by the President of the Republic of Djibouti, was organized by the Djibouti Embassy in China and the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority. The event was graced by the presence of Hua Yuan, Member of the Shanghai Municipal Standing Committee and Vice Mayor, who delivered a keynote speech.
The forum focused on the theme “Djibouti - Africa’s New Gateway - Connecting the Global Ecosystem,” aiming to provide enterprises with preferential market access through Djibouti's free trade agreements, furthering the vision of establishing Djibouti as a central hub for trade and logistics.
During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping met with President Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti in Beijing on September 2. The two leaders announced the elevation of China-Djibouti relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. President Xi particularly emphasized that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Djibouti, with their cooperation becoming a model for South-South cooperation. China will continue to support Djibouti in projects like the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and the International Free Trade Zone, aiding Djibouti in becoming a regional trade and logistics hub and propelling bilateral relations to new heights.
SME has long been deeply involved in the African region, with extensive cooperation in Ethiopia. Participating in the Djibouti Free Trade Zone Forum has provided us with deeper insights into the future prospects of China-Djibouti cooperation, further promoting cooperation and development between China and Africa.
By choosing to partner with SME, you not only benefit from our expertise in the steel industry but also gain competitive market access and more efficient logistics services through the policy advantages of the Djibouti Free Trade Zone. We look forward to collaborating with more partners to explore the African market together and share the benefits of the Free Trade Zone.
