Youth festival boosts China-Africa ties

Zhang Jiming, secretary-general of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, emphasizes that the China-Africa Youth Festival aims to give African youth representatives a firsthand experience of Zhejiang's remarkable transformation, to foster a deeper understanding of the friendship between the people of Zhejiang and Africa and lay a solid foundation for comprehensive exchanges and cooperation between them.

"Zhejiang will continue to focus on promoting economic and trade cooperation, enhancing cultural exchanges and strengthening the friendship between China and Africa, further advancing friendly cooperation with Africa," Zhang states.

During their time in Jinhua, the representatives' itinerary included visits to an electric vehicle manufacturer, the Yiwu International Trade Market, Hengdian World Studios and the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University.

As they arrived at the Yiwu International Trade Market, one of the world's largest wholesale markets, Abdul-Jabbar Hashim Kolo from Nigeria wasted no time diving in to search for business opportunities.

"I'm looking for products I can wholesale from Yiwu to sell in Nigeria," he says, expressing interest in solar energy products, electronic locks and agricultural tools. He has collected contact information from numerous shop owners.

With a bachelor's degree in law from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, the 29-year-old now operates the Ateef Law Firm in Nigeria.

Specializing in transaction advisory services for the energy and natural resources sectors, he explains, "We typically offer legal consulting services to foreigners interested in investing in Nigeria."

He met several potential clients throughout the journey in Jinhua.

"I've had the opportunity to meet many Chinese individuals keen on venturing into businesses involving electric vehicles and solar products in Africa. They are seeking new markets," he says.

Reflecting on the trip, he says, "I've observed many similarities between the people here and those in Africa, particularly in terms of arts and crafts."

Additionally, he's also identified valuable lessons in China's development for Nigeria.

"One challenge we face in Nigeria is the mass urban migration from rural areas, placing pressure on social services and urban infrastructure. However, I've witnessed considerable investment in agriculture in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, which I think is very important," he says.

"Before coming to China, I heard a lot about the country's remarkable achievements in science, technology, economic development and improving people's livelihoods. I've been looking forward to visiting China for many years. This journey exposed me to several opportunities," he says.