The China-Africa Economic and Trade Greater Bay Area International Business Center was inaugurated on October 14 in Nansha, Guangzhou, marking the first dedicated platform in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area aimed at strengthening economic ties between China and Africa. Established through a collaboration between the Nansha District Government and the China-Africa Friendly Economic and Trade Development Foundation, the center functions as a one-stop facility providing office space, trade and cultural exchange venues, and services including policy consulting, legal support, and supply chain coordination.
Strategic Importance and Initial Operations
Zhang Yi, president of the foundation, highlighted the Greater Bay Area’s role as a strategic link between China and Africa, emphasizing its industrial strength, logistics capabilities, and market advantages. The foundation plans to work with Nansha to attract more Africa-related trade activities and position the center as a model for China-Africa cooperation. During the inauguration, the China-Madagascar (Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area) Economic and Trade Cooperation Center became the first African institution to set up operations at the hub, signaling early momentum in bilateral engagements.
Jean Louis Robinson, Madagascar’s Ambassador to China, described China as a key development partner and welcomed the center’s launch as a concrete step to translate agreements into action. He pointed to Nansha’s 25 shipping routes to Africa and favorable tax policies as foundational elements for a comprehensive trade system that aligns African demand with Chinese processing and Nansha-based sales. The ambassador expressed optimism that Nansha could evolve into a globally recognized hub for international business.
Future Focus and Infrastructure Support
Moving forward, the center will prioritize promoting joint investments between China and Africa in sectors such as agriculture, mining, new energy, and smart ports. Nansha Port, one of China’s largest hub ports, handled 20.5 million TEUs in 2024, ranking ninth globally, and connects with over 310 ports across 120 countries and regions, ensuring efficient global cargo transit. Recognized by UNESCO as a livable urban area, Nansha also offers high-quality coastal, cultural, sports, and cruise facilities, enhancing its appeal for international business and residential purposes.
Nansha is accelerating the development of an integrated service base to support Chinese enterprises expanding overseas. The district has established partnerships with five African economic and trade zones, six business associations, three investment promotion agencies, and five consulates or embassies, extending its network to 15 African countries and regions. This expansion underscores Nansha’s growing role in facilitating China’s economic outreach and trade diversification efforts.
