At the 8th China International Import Expo being held in Shanghai, a total of 123 enterprises from the “the Belt and Road” countries participated, with a year-on-year increase of 23.1%; The number of African companies participating in the CIIE has increased by 80% year-on-year… The CIIE has become a globally shared international public good and has also inspired more people’s “CIIE dreams”.
The technology equipment exhibition area of the CIIE was crowded with people. At the booth of Toshiba, a 26 year old exhibitor from Kumasi, the second largest city in Ghana, Africa, Rachel Amoah was attentively listening to the staff introduce a “heavy ion cancer treatment system” exhibit. The staff said they hope that this cancer treatment equipment can land in China as soon as possible. Upon hearing this, Rachel raised a question.
What does’ landing ‘mean? I only know that when a plane lands, it’s called’ landing ‘, “Rachel asked.
The journalist standing aside explained to her that in the Chinese context, “landing” not only refers to the item “falling to the ground”, but also to the project or plan progressing from the planning stage to the implementation stage and producing results.
After hearing the reporter’s explanation, Rachel nodded and said, “I hope this equipment can also land in my hometown Ghana as soon as possible, and I also hope that industrial enterprises from Ghana can participate in the CIIE. This is my ‘CIIE dream’
Although born in Ghana, Rachel is not unfamiliar with China. China has long been Ghana’s largest trading partner and major source of foreign investment, with hundreds of Chinese companies investing and developing in Ghana, covering areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and mining. In 2024, the bilateral trade volume between China and Canada reached a historic high of approximately 11.8 billion US dollars.
Rachel has been interested in airplanes since she was young. Thanks to the “the Belt and Road” initiative and the deepening of China Africa cooperation, Rachel has the opportunity to study aviation engineering in China. In 2017, 18-year-old Rachel came to Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics to study abroad. In September 2021, she entered the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University for further studies. After graduation, she chose to stay and work in Shanghai.
This is Rachel’s first time participating in the CIIE. After entering the venue, she immediately arrived at the “African Goods” exhibition area in Hall 8.1. Because I previously learned that there are Ghanaian companies participating in this year’s exhibition, bringing some unique clothing and cocoa, “Rachel said. Meeting compatriots in China far away from home is very friendly.
On November 7th, at the 8th CIIE Agricultural and Food Products Exhibition Area, exhibitors from Ghana showcased local specialty folding fans and avocado moisturizers. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Fang Zhe
The CIIE allows African countries to board the “Orient Express”. At this year’s CIIE, the “African Goods” exhibition area organized 13 companies and showcased more than 140 African specialty products. African specialty exhibits such as shea butter skincare products from Mali, cocoa from Ghana, and vanilla pods from Madagascar entered the lives of Chinese consumers through the CIIE.
Compared to agricultural products, I would rather see industrial products from Ghana at the CIIE as soon as possible, “Rachel said, hoping that in three or five years, there will be industrial enterprises from Ghana participating.” In terms of industrial development, China is our role model
After visiting the technical equipment exhibition area, Rachel also plans to see the cars and cosmetics exhibited at the CIIE. As they bid farewell, the reporter told Rachel that they hope your dream of pursuing a PhD can be realized soon! (Reporter Yang Youzong)