Forum promotes trade between Guizhou and Africa

The 2026 Guizhou Products Go Global · China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum was held on Aug 10 at the Guiyang International Eco-Conference Center in Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

The event was co-hosted by the China-Africa Commercial Service Center and the Ambassador Reception Room platform. It focused on facilitating the global expansion of Guizhou's distinctive industries, deepening economic, trade, and cultural exchanges among China, Botswana and Mali, and supporting inland regions in pursuing high-level opening-up.

Professor Lekoko S. Kenosi, ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to China, and Malick Diarra, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of the Republic of Mali in China, attended the forum.

Two major ceremonies took place during the event: the launch of the One-Stop Service Platform for Guipin Industry Going Global and the inauguration of the Guiyang Operation Center of the Ambassador Reception Room.

The launch ceremony of the One-Stop Service Platform for Guipin Industry Going Global takes place at the forum. [Photo/Guiyang news network]

The One-Stop Service Platform for Guipin Industry Going Global is aimed at serving Guizhou's competitive sectors, including Maotai-flavored baijiu, tea, specialty agricultural products, and light manufacturing. It integrates full-chain services such as overseas market research, embassy resource matchmaking, cross-border trade negotiations, and international brand incubation, aiming to address practical challenges faced by Guizhou enterprises in expanding abroad, including information gaps and weak distribution channels.

The newly established Guiyang Operation Center will coordinate with regional stations across the country to build a permanent economic and trade service network that covers Southwest China, radiates nationwide, and connects to Africa.

The forum also featured a thematic panel discussion, where Chinese and international guests exchanged views on topics including African market access, cross-border logistics, localized operations, and trade compliance.

The forum has built a direct economic and trade channel among Guizhou, Botswana and Mali authorities, providing a way for inland provinces to engage in pragmatic China-Africa cooperation.

Guests take part in a thematic panel discussion. [Photo/Guiyang news network]