Residents in Morocco expect that strengthened cooperation with China will yield mutual economic benefits and foster increased people-to-people exchanges, as Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed 10 partnership action plans to further develop China-Africa relations at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Xi's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2024 FOCAC Summit resonated warmly with Morocco, receiving acclaim from local residents.
President of the Morocco-China Friendship and Exchange Association Mohamed Khalil lauded the pivotal decisions made during the summit, saying that he looks forward to further China-Morocco cooperation.
"Among the most significant decisions is the creation of a continental free area between China and Africa, alongside increased funding and the launch of numerous projects that will contribute to strengthening and improving the African infrastructure, from railways to ports to airports and others. So the relationship between China and Africa will grow stronger in the future and have a really positive impact on China and African countries," said Khalil.
"In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China is ready to implement 30 projects aimed at connecting African infrastructure and establishing a Chinese-African land and sea network. Morocco can contribute to this project, because of its strategic geographical location near Europe and special ties with African countries. Morocco can be a bridge between China and Africa," Khalil continued.
Imane Dhaidah, a Moroccan student, emphasized the potential of robust and multifaceted economic growth through enhanced cooperation between China and Morocco, anticipating mutual benefits for both nations.
"My expectation for the cooperation between China and Morocco is how a promising, robust and multifaceted economic growth can benefit both countries," said Dhaidah.
Abdelhak Benkkeroum, a contractor, underscored the importance of mutual understanding through cultural exchanges, advocating for increased people-to-people interactions to foster deeper ties between the two nations.
"We already have today a strong presence of Chinese Confucius Institutes in Morocco, teaching Moroccans Chinese language. But I would hope to have more cooperation in that field. Chinese movies, Moroccans need to know about Chinese movies, Chinese arts, Chinese music and so forth. And the same, on the Chinese side, they need to know about our culture and industries. And this happens with people-to-people exchanges," said Benkkeroum.
Moroccans expect cooperation with China to benefit both sides, boost exchanges
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
