The Republic of Malawi has been particularly favored by the People’s Republic of China as President Xi Jinping sends a chartered plane to pick President Chakwera and his delegation to China where leaders of African states will converge with China on trade expo.
Following an official invitation to President Chakwera to be guest of honor at the 3rd China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), the Peoples Republic of China has pledged a 300-seater plane specifically the Malawi President and his delegation, and Capital Hill sources indicate that the plane will arrive this week.
Apart from the transport costs for Malawi, China has committed to foot all expenses for President Chakwera and his entire Government delegation if full understanding of the economic plight Malawi is going through at the moment.
Other African delegations from Tanzania and Kenya have reportedly asked Malawi to consider them if spaces would still available on the plane by the time President Chakwera leaves for China.
The Capital Hill sources further say the gesture by China is beneficial as the other seats on the plane will be taken by Malawian business community who are bound to make own gains at the trade expo.
The 3rd CAETE is set to take place from 29th June to 2nd July 2023 in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. This significant event, with the theme of “Common Development for a Shared Future,” is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China (MOFCOM) and the People’s Government of Hunan Province.
As a biennial gathering, the Expo plays a crucial role in establishing a new mechanism for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. It serves as a platform for implementing economic and trade initiatives under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), while also acting as a window for sub-national-level engagement in China-Africa economic and trade collaboration.
According to official announcements, the focus of this year’s Expo will be on the “Nine Programs” for China-Africa cooperation outlined by FOCAC. These programs encompass a wide range of areas, including medical and health, poverty reduction and agricultural development, trade promotion, investment promotion, digital innovation, green development, capacity building, cultural and people-to-people exchange, and peace and security.
To facilitate robust participation, the Expo will host a diverse array of events in various formats. It aims to attract a multitude of attendees to Changsha, including Chinese and African dignitaries, diplomats, representatives from international organizations, financial institutions, business associations, chambers of commerce, media professionals, entrepreneurs, as well as experts and scholars.
With its comprehensive agenda and esteemed participants, the 3rd CAETE in Changsha promises to be an influential platform for fostering collaboration and driving forward the common development and shared future between China and Africa.
