Cooperation projects are signed during the 2025 Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation. [Photo/Tide News]

The 2025 Forum on China-Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation opened in Jinhua, Zhejiang province, on Nov 7, and has achieved significant success with 33 cooperation projects signed.

These projects span trade, overseas investment, engineering contracting, and overseas warehouse construction, with a total value of 40.11 billion yuan ($5.63 billion).

As a leading "bridgehead" for China-Africa cooperation, Jinhua has ranked first among Chinese cities in Africa-bound exports for 10 consecutive years. From January to September, Jinhua's trade with Africa reached 119.28 billion yuan, up 20.9 percent year-on-year, with exports totaling 111.49 billion yuan, increasing 27.5 percent and accounting for 9.5 percent of China's total.

"'Made in China' products are exported to Africa from Jinhua while African products reach nationwide through Jinhua. The path of cooperation is getting wider and wider," said Ji Yongmin, secretary-general of the Jinhua Commerce Chamber of Economy and Trade with Africa.

In August, Yiwu Selection — a brand export collection store — opened its first overseas branch in Nairobi, Kenya, enabling African buyers to access high-quality Chinese products locally.

Jinhua is home to 2,420 registered Africa-invested companies, with nearly 30,000 Jinhua businessmen doing business in Africa. From January to September, Jinhua's imports from Africa reached 7.79 billion yuan, accounting for 8.5 percent of the city's total.

Nabil Azaroual, CEO of CML Trading Group from Morocco, who signed the Yiwu-Africa Small Commodities Procurement Project at the forum, mentioned that it is becoming increasingly convenient for Chinese products to enter the African market through Jinhua.

The forum also strengthened educational and cultural exchanges. Jinhua University of Vocational Technology signed agreements with Rwanda Polytechnic and Zicheng United Construction Group to jointly establish the "Rwanda Engineering and Construction Workshop".

Additionally, Jinhua hosted its first Africa Cultural and Tourism Fair, offering a unique cultural experience for residents and visitors.