The promising future of China-Africa cooperation cannot be accomplished without the innovation and creativity of youth, officials said during the inaugural China-Africa youth forum. The forum is one of a series of events hosted on the sidelines of the Third China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE). CAETE is the most significant exhibition within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), organized by the Central Government of the People's Republic of China. ALSO READ: Upcoming Chinese exhibition tipped to open opportunities for Rwandan entrepreneurs During the exhibition that ended on July 6, more than 120 Rwandan exporters showcased various products from Rwanda. Dubbed “Stimulate Enterprising Spirit for Innovative Development”, the China-Africa Youth Forum on Innovation & Entrepreneurship was held at the Changsha International Conference Center, to among others explore innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities on both sides. Xu Xiao, vice president of All-China Youth Federation said the partnership would pave the way for Chinese and African youth to invigorate global development and progress, citing that innovation and entrepreneurship are key areas of China-Africa cooperation, “whose promising future is inseparable from the innovation and creativity of young people.” “The All-China Youth Federation will work with youth organizations in Africa to build China-Africa youth innovation and entrepreneurship projects under the “Belt and Road” initiative, establish partnership, as well as give top priority to youth development, so that Chinese and African youth can invigorate global development and progress.” ALSO READ: Rwanda, China trade grows by 31% Kenya’s Amakobe Sande pointed out that the youth are the main drivers of entrepreneurship and innovation, “and promoting youth innovation and entrepreneurship has never been more important.” “I hope that this forum is an opportune moment for China and African youth to hold more dialogues that will unleash the potential of young people in China and Africa and serve as an important engine of innovation and entrepreneurship.” For Zhou Haibing, Vice Governor of Hunan and Acting Mayor of Municipal People’s Government, Hunan is building youth-development-friendly cities, making the city more friendly to youth, youth more productive in the city, and allowing more intelligent resources and innovative elements to gather in Hunan. “People from all walks of life, including young people from China and Africa, are welcomed to invest and start business in Hunan. Hunan will provide the most favorable policies, the best services and environment, so that more young people from China and Africa who aspire to innovate and start business can build their dreams in Hunan, and contribute to the in-depth China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.” Nizar Ben Néji, the Minister of Communication Technology of Tunisia commended China’s entrepreneurial dynamism and advanced technology, citing that both developments have won worldwide recognition. “Tunisia can draw much useful experience from China and looks forward to building a strong and stable partnership with China, which will be conducive to achieving a common vision of mutual benefit and win-win results,” he said.
