China is Africa's all-time friend, said Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of Congo, in an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) during his stay in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
"Because history shows that China has neither occupied, dominated, nor exploited African people. And yet, there have been historic contacts between China and Africa, the Silk Road. We're talking with President Xi Jinping today about the Belt and Road project. We say yes, China has been Africa's friend for all time. Regarding the [Republic of] Congo, we're talking about 60 years of friendly relations and direct cooperation. Since 1964, this friendship has grown stronger day by day and will continue to grow stronger through the decisions we make today. So we can say yes, it is a friendship, an all-time friendship between China and Africa," he said.
President Sassou Nguesso stated that he and other African leaders will strengthen cooperation with China, as many of these partnerships have already yielded remarkable results.
"More than 50 African heads of state met at the Great Hall of the People. We exchanged views and concluded that we must strengthen this cooperation with China. These are not empty words because in Africa, in every country, there are concrete signs of this cooperation with China; concrete projects have been carried out. We had productive discussions with each other. We didn’t come to China for a vacation, but to work with friends, because we know the decisions we are going to make will have tangible effects on the development of our countries, as they have in the past," he said.
The Republic of Congo has taken its position as the African co-chair of the FOCAC, which the president said is an honor and a responsibility.
"First of all, we thank African leaders and President Xi Jinping for the trust placed in our country. All agreed by consensus that [the Republic of] Congo should co-chair FOCAC for the next three years. For us, this is both an honor and a responsibility. We believe that we will take this responsibility seriously," Sassou Nguesso said.
China is Africa's all-time friend: president of Republic of Congo
China is Africa's all-time friend: president of Republic of Congo
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
