Made in Africa
African companies showcase their products at import expo in China
when the doors opened for the first ever China International Import Expo (CIIE), it was symbolic of the country’s most ambitious policy begun in 1978. Along with the expo, this year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up that is at the core of the country’s economic miracle. Those doors offered a much needed opportunity for African countries, along with others, to put their best foot forward for buyers at the multitude of stands. Cashew nuts from Côte d’ivoire, fragrant coffee from Ethiopia and succulent oysters from Namibia. These were just some of the eclectic range of products from Africa on display at the expo held in Shanghai on November 5-10.
A total of 172 countries, regions and international organizations participated in the expo. Among more than 3,600 companies showcasing their products and services, 200 were from over 40 African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Egypt.
African countries were given special treatment at the CIIE. “We support African countries in participating in the CIIE,” said Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September, adding that the least developed African countries participating in the expo would be exempted from paying exhibition stand fees.
“The expo shows China is open for business, and it promotes trade partnerships and helps close trading gaps between China and Africa,” said Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta who led a delegation of horticultural farmers and traders to China for the event.
Closer to the market
Elisabeth E. Pali-tchalla’s booth was one of the busiest at the expo, constantly surrounded by crowds of buyers interested in her products. As general manager of the Togolese Shea Co., she never imagined her shea butter products could be so popular among Chinese customers.
“Few Chinese customers know about shea butter. We’ve come just at the right