Planning the future

What makes Shen’s story different from that of many Chinese companies successfully doing business in Africa is his strategy for the future. He is not interested in expanding to more African countries. “I have already overcome many difficulties,” he said with a smile. “At the age of 50, you know your destiny.”

He sees his destiny now as a mentor, sharing his knowledge of the African market with Chinese companies interested in foraying into the continent. He is also ready to provide China knowhow to African companies seeking to do business in or with China.

He thinks Chinese President Xi Jinping’s announcement of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative - a global network of infrastructure, transport and markets for a more vibrant economy in Asia, Europe and Africa - has energized Chinese companies. “The thought of the industrial, infrastructural and agricultural networks in the three continents coming together has encouraged Chinese companies,” he said. “From governments to individuals, people are paying more attention to Africa. Lots of people are coming to me to ask for advice. It made me think maybe I should not run my own business now but advise people, help them to develop in African market.”

It’s a task for which he’s well qualified. Shen is also on the Xiamen Committee of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and an official of the Xiamen Chamber of International Commerce’s South Africa Liaison Office