Xi's speech at FOCAC summit reflects common aspirations of Chinese, African people

Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has resonated with the shared aspirations of the Chinese and African peoples that represent a collective population exceeding 2.8 billion, and showcased their unwavering commitment to advancing together into the future, according to attendees.

Participants from Africa said they look forward to expanding trade with China but more importantly, learning from China's experience in modernization.

"China has moved very fast in terms of modernization, both in terms of infrastructure and also in the issue of electric vehicles etc. So we are here not only to just do business but to learn. And we believe we can learn a lot from China," said Allan Majuru, CEO of ZimTrade.

President Xi, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Sept. 4 jointly witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the revitalization project of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway. This move had inspired Chinese enterprises to continue their investments in the African continent.

"In the presence of President Xi Jinping, a memorandum was signed to activate the Tazara Railway. As the company that constructed the Tazara Railway [back then], we hold a deep sentiment in continuing to promote Sino-African friendship," said Dai Hegen, chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation.

Xi's address further underscored the unwavering confidence of the Global South in unity and collaboration towards shared progress, marking a significant milestone in the history of the China-Africa relationship.

"China and Africa have strong complementarity in terms of industrial chains and supply chains. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade will make good use of cooperation platforms such as the China International Supply Chain Expo to promote high-quality development of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, and to facilitate the Chinese vast market to become a major opportunity for Africa," said Zhang Shaogang, vice chairman of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

Xi's speech at FOCAC summit reflects common aspirations of Chinese, African people

Chinese contestants secured the top spot at the 47th WorldSkills Competition medal tally by winning 36 of the 59 gold medals, as the competition concluded in Lyon, France on Sunday night.

In addition to their gold medals, the Chinese team won nine silvers, four bronzes and eight medallions of excellence. They also achieved their fifth successive championship in CNC Milling and forth successive championship in the Bricklaying and Fashion Technology, respectively.

Two Chinese participants in the Industry 4.0 competition were honored with the prestigious Albert Vidal Award for achieving the highest overall score in the event.

"We won gold medals in 36 of the 59 events in the competition. We made many breakthroughs this year. We maintained our leading position in Manufacturing and Engineering Technology and Construction and Building Technology. And we also made breakthroughs in Information and Communication Technology and Social and Personal Services, which is really not easy," said Wu Liduo, deputy head of the Chinese delegation.

At the closing ceremony, the WorldSkills flag was officially passed from Lyon to the Chinese city of Shanghai, which will host the 48th edition of the competition.

This year's event, held on Sept 10-15 with the events running on Sept 11-14, drew around 1,400 participants from nearly 70 countries and regions to compete in the 59 skill categories. Sixty-eight Chinese contestants participated in all the skill categories.

China tops 47th WorldSkills Competition medal tally