President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, on Thursday urged the consolidation of existing cooperation achievements between China and Africa to further benefit the peoples of both sides, noting that China remains an all-time friend for Central Africa
Sassou made the remarks on Thursday while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
Africa, the president said, has walked side by side with China over the past five decades and witnessed China's diplomatic influence and economic development as it continues to move toward the center of the global stage.
"Since its establishment, FOCAC has become a platform for dialogue and cooperation. Africa-China ties have grown closer based on similar historical values and cohesion for all peoples. Therefore, modernization is not just a simple slogan, but our common aspiration. We must jointly pursue prosperity and peace for the benefit of our peoples. We need to uphold the spirit of mutual trust, pragmatism, mutual respect, and solidarity to realize the vision of common development," said Sassou.
To achieve these goals, he called for more efforts to consolidate coordination and enhance mutual understanding between Africa and China.
"We must consolidate the existing cooperation achievements to create new opportunities and bring a better future for generations to come. To this end, we need to strengthen coordination, which is the foundation of our cooperation. We should enhance Africa's understanding of China while also deepening China's understanding of Africa. We need to expand the points of consensus between Africa and China, strengthen the friendship between the peoples of both sides and actively promote the win-win cooperation between Africa and China," the president said.
Noting that China remains an all-time friend for Central Africa, President Sassou vowed to further enhance the role of the FOCAC in global governance through strengthened trade and investment, in order to better address the challenges in the development of Africa.
The three-day FOCAC summit, which opened on Wednesday, is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of foreign leaders.
Themed "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future," the event aims to strengthen friendship and outline future cooperation between the two sides.
Republic of Congo President calls for efforts to consolidate fruits in China-Africa relations
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
