On October 26th-28th, Inaugural Conference of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance and The First Session of Academic Seminar was held in Guangzhou. It was hosted by Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, organized by Institute for African Studies, Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and Africa Guangdong Business Association, co-organized by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Guangdong Committee and Information Office, the People's Government of Guangdong Province. The event was supported by People's Government of Guangdong Province, Alliance members and Consulate General of African Countries in Guangzhou. Attending the meeting were think tank experts, scholars, government officials and entrepreneurs from 34 countries. Prof. Liu Jisen, Executive President of IAS, GDUFS, hosted the opening ceremony.

President Sui Guangjun's Opening Speech

Sui Guangjun, Secretary of the party committee of GDUFS, delivered an opening speech. President Sui stated that in 2018 Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi emphasized the establishment of China-Africa community of a common destiny, therefore, the foundation of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance was a means of implementation of FOCAC outcomes. President Sui also made a introduction of IAS, GDUFS.

Director Chen Qiuyan's Speech

Chen Qiuyan, Director of Foreign Affairs Office, Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, warmly welcomed attendees. He mentioned that in 2018 Beijing summit of FOCAC, President Xi put forward eight major initiatives. In response to President Xi’s proposal, Guangdong Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government were supposed to impose relative policies. Director Chen thought highly of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance, and maintained that it was good for resource integration and enterprises' investment in Africa.

Fu Lang's Speech

Fu Lang, Dean of IAS, GDUFS, mentioned that China was the largest developing country, and Africa was the continent with the most developing countries. China and Africa shared a common destiny. Faced with the changeable and uncertain international situation, China and African countries should strengthen China-Africa cooperation, establish China-Africa community of a common destiny, work together to overcome various challenges, exchange ideas and reach an agreement on major international and regional issues, and make contributions to the world's peace and development. "Belt & Road" African Research Alliance would provide a convenient and efficient platform for all parties to share resources, explore knowledge, disseminate technology and enhance understanding.

Chen Yuejin's Speech

Chen Yuejin, Vice Chairman of Africa Guangdong Business Association, thought that cultural exchange, as one of the eight major initiatives, should be attached great importance. By means of "Belt & Road" African Research Alliance, he hoped that more cooperation between AGBA and outstanding institutions, home and abroad, could be established; more feasible, sustainable, guiding and potential suggestions could be offered; China-Africa strategic cooperation relationship could be strengthened; and exchanges between China and African enterprises could be promoted. 

Yu Hongjun's Speech

Yu Hongjun, chief expert of The Charhar Institute provided five suggestions for the future development of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance. First, we should study and summarize the history and experience of China-Africa cooperation. Second, we should pay attention to the problems in China-Africa cooperation. Third, we should try to eliminate factors preventing China-Africa relation. Fourth, we should seek new opportunities for further China-Africa cooperation. Fifth, we should work with African countries to build a community of a common destiny and set a good example for the establishment of a new type of international relations and new international order.

Miss Alima Danfakha Gakou's Speech

Alima Danfakha Gakou, Head of the consular corps of Consulate-General of African countries in Guangzhou, showed her gratitude to "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance, since it provided a platform for more people to have a better understanding of Africa.

Liu Jisen Hosted the Opening Ceremony.

Fu Lang was elected as the first chairman of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance. He issued the letter of appointment for vice chairmen.

Inaugural Ceremony of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance

On October 26th, Preparatory Meeting of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance and The First Session of Council Meeting was held. Constitution had been deliberated. Fu Lang was elected as the first chairman of the Alliance. Guangdong University of Foreign Studies was elected as the think tank secretariat. African Studies Center of Peking University was nominated as the rotating director organization, and the director Li Anshan was elected as the rotating chairman.

The First Session of Academic Seminar followed the opening ceremony. Keynote speeches were delivered by Zeng Zhihua, senior economist of World Bank, Xu Liang, Vice secretary general of Center for African Studies, Peking University, HUSSEIN, the former President of Ain Shams University, Sun Xiaojun, Executive Secretary of The Charhar Institute, and Ji Weimin, expert of Center for Economic Diplomacy, Tsinghua University.

On October 27th, there were two rounds of speech. In the first round, African research outcomes were shared by Liang Lijun, Executive director of Center for African Investment and Trade Research, IAS, GDUFS, Zhao Shurong, Director of Center for West African Studies, University of Electronic and Technology of China, Li Shubo from CHR. Michelsen Institute, Norway, Li Yehua, Deputy Director of Institute for African Studies, East China Normal University, Sun Guoqiang, Vice CEO of CGCOC Group, Abel Kinoti from Riare University, Zhu Tiequan from School of Sociology & Anthropology, Sun Yat-sen University, Yu Yongjie from MIAI, Zhuang liwei from School of International Studies, Jinan University, Sun Mulin, Director of StarTimes Group, Ahmadou Aly Mbaye from University Chikh Anta Diep de Dakar, Cui Yong, Vice President of Institute for “Belt and Road, Jiangsu University, and Huang Qing’an, Dean of International Business School of Guangdong University of Finance & Economics. 

In the second round, speeches were given by Liu Chang'an, Chairman of Chinese Investors Association for Development and Promotion, Nigeria, Zhou Ya'na from Center for China-France Cooperation, Wuhan University, An Jindi from Chinese Professionals Organization in Southern, and Ji Fei, researcher from IAS, GDUFS. Africa Guangdong Business Association and Guangdong Chamber of Commerce of Importers & Exporters made a brief introduction of their businesses.

On October 28th, three group discussions were held whose topics were "China-Africa Cooperation Mechanism and Mode under the Framework of 'Belt and Road Initiative'", "China-Africa Cooperation Carrier and Potential Cooperation Projects" and "Prospects for the New Era for China-Africa Cooperation" respectively. Ideas were exchanged among experts and scholars.

On the closing ceremony, hosts made a report of group discussion respectively. Dong Junwu, senior researcher from IAS, GDUFS, hosted the book launch.

Inaugural Conference of "Belt & Road" African Studies Alliance and The First Session of Academic Seminar was held in Guangzhou made a success.

Group Photo