Unlocking Potential
China’s ongoing commitment to africa at the focac beijing Summit encourages businesses taking part in the belt and road initiative on the continent
only with deep roots can a tree yield rich fruit. These words resonate strongly with Sun Pishu. They are an accurate description of how his company has adapted and evolved in Africa throughout the years despite the obstacles and challenges. Its roots grow deeper with every project.
“Chinese enterprises should not simply invest in and trade with Africa. They should use their strong sense of social responsibility and mission to promote the continent’s development and share China’s best technology, ideas and experience,” Sun said.
As the CEO of Inspur Group, one of China’s leading IT companies, Sun has learnt firsthand how critical it is for Chinese businesses to pay close attention to local African needs in order to take root and bear fruit on the continent.
It should come as no surprise, therefore, that Chinese President Xi Jinping used the very same analogy in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on September 3.
Xi pointed out that partnerships between Chinese and African businesses have been successful in addressing the lack of infrastructure and other issues that constrain Africa’s development.
Great progress has been made on the continent in the areas of industrialization and modernization, infrastructure construction, trade and investment facilitation, capacity building and poverty alleviation, he said.
Much to the delight of the participating leaders - who hailed from 53 African countries, in addition to a delegation from the African Union (AU) Commission - Xi promised that China’s support would continue over the next three years, pledging a further $60 billion in financing to Africa.
Xi described Africa as a historical and natural extension of the ancient Silk Road, and as an important participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. Looking forward, he