5th African Ambassadors Interactive Forum & Investment Showcase

The 5th African Ambassadors Interactive Forum and Investment Showcase (5th AAIF) took place at the Gardford International Hotel in Guangzhou, China, from October 20-22, 2012.

Convened by the INGO Third Sector Resource and the African Business Roundtable (ABR), in collaboration with the China-Africa Friendly and International Trade (Beijing) and the Embassy of Nigeria in China, the forum aimed to foster joint public-private sector partnerships to drive Africa's development. It brought together diplomatic, political, civil society leaders, industry captains, and the diaspora business community to promote investment opportunities in Africa for sustainable development. Representatives from Nigeria, including the Sokoto state delegation, SMEs, trade associations, businessmen and women, corporate investors, and members of the African Business Roundtable attended the event. Also present were representatives from various organizations.

DAY 1: Business Matching Meeting and Welcome Dinner

The 5th AAIF commenced around 10 am with a warm reception for the Nigerian delegation and a tour of the wholesale market, notable shopping malls, and landmarks within the Guangzhou province. Following the tour, at about 3 pm, was the business matching meeting. Mr. Zhang Yi, the president of the ChinaAfrica Countries Trade Promotion Association, delivered the welcome remarks to inaugurate the meeting. He expressed his delight in being part of this initiative, especially at a time when China is striving to be the foremost world economy, utilizing its connections in Africa for support. Mr. Zhang emphasized that this business matchmaking meeting would fortify their association and its core values in China. He also afrmed that Chinese investors are ready to assist Africa in all areas of development, which will contribute to Africa's integration into the global economy. He then introduced the representatives of the Chinese investors present at the meeting. The Project Manager from the African Business Roundtable for the 5th AAIF, Mr. Remi Akcjelu, extended sincere thanks to the China-Africa Friendship and International Trade (Beijing) and the Chinese Investor Representatives for making the event possible. He expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and elaborated on the purpose of the business and networking meeting between Chinese investors and their African counterparts. Mr. Akcjelu emphasized that the meeting provided a platform for the exchange of business ideas and investment opportunities across different sectors of the economy.Various one-on-one meetings were held according to sector and area of interest for networking and business partnerships between Chinese investors and their African counterparts. The Deputy Ambassador of Nigeria to China, H.E. Sola Ogundipe, concluded the meeting with a vote of thanks, and the day's events ended with a welcome dinner.

DAY 2: Panel Discussion

Professor L.M Marafa, Department of Geography and Tourism Studies, Chinese University, Hong Kong, and ABR - NEPAD Business Group Coordinator for Asia, provided an overview of the program and the objectives of the Forum. He highlighted that the forum aimed to create opportunities for joint public-private sector partnerships to drive Africa's development, leveraging Africa's natural and human resources locally and in the diaspora. He emphasized the symbolic signicance of hosting the 5th edition of the AAIF in China, given Asia's increasing trade and investment in Africa. The objectives of the forum included forging partnerships between Chinese entrepreneurs and their African counterparts, increasing FDI to African economies, and improving market access for African goods and services into China and vice versa. Professor Marafa underscored China's recent engagement with Africa after years of global neglect, emphasizing China's desire to provide goods and services to the end user at the right time, place, and price. He also highlighted China's commitment to supporting Africa's development, with infrastructure companies having access to long-term nancial support from nancial institutions such as the China EXIM Bank, China Development Bank, and China Africa Fund. Mr. Zhang Yi, Chairman of the ChinaAfrica Countries Trade Promotion Association and China Africa Friendly International Trade (Beijing) Co. Ltd., delivered the welcome address for the ofcial opening of the forum. He welcomed delegates to the 5th AAIF and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this important forum. He emphasized that the forum would serve as a bridge between China and Africa, fostering economic cooperation, especially with Nigeria. In his opening remarks, the head of the Sokoto state delegation, Alhaji Sahabi Isa Gada MNI, Secretary to the State Government (Sokoto State, Nigeria), commended INGO Third Sector Resource for initiating the forum and facilitating Sokoto state government's participation. He outlined Sokoto state's prole and emphasized the potential for Chinese investment in agriculture and solid mineral resources. He assured the Chinese delegation of a warm welcome to Sokoto state. Mr. Samuel Ayodele, Director of Operations at the African Business Roundtable (ABR), expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Embassy in China and acknowledged the determination of the Nigerian delegation. He highlighted the forum's purpose: to position Africa for economic diplomacy in the 21st century. He stressed the need for a paradigm shift in Africa's development approach, emphasizing the importance of economic partnerships over aid-seeking. The Nigerian Ambassador to Beijing, H.E. Ambassador Wall, represented by Ambassador Patrick Ogundipe, discussed policy challenges faced by developing countries and emphasized the need for genuine partnerships. He highlighted the embassy's commitment to supporting Chinese investors interested in establishing businesses in Nigeria.

1st SESSION

The rst plenary session focused on promoting trade between African embassies, governments, and Asia, particularly China. Hon. Ibrahim Rabah outlined legislative frameworks supporting business in Sokoto state

3rd SESSION

The third plenary session explored investing in Africa's extractive non-oil minerals. Dr. Abubakar N. Umar highlighted Sokoto state's mineral resources and emphasized its investment potential in wind and solar energy.

4th SESSION

The fourth session discussed partnerships between Chinese and African developers in the green construction industry. Fiona Zhang discussed challenges faced by Chinese companies expanding overseas and the role of Sino (HK) International Corporate Investment Limited in facilitating overseas investments.

4th SESSION

The fourth session discussed partnerships between Chinese and African developers in the green construction industry. Fiona Zhang discussed challenges faced by Chinese companies expanding overseas and the role of Sino (HK) International Corporate Investment Limited in facilitating overseas investments. technology sectors. Alhaji Sahabi Isa Gadamni discussed partnership opportunities in Sokoto State's newly discovered oil elds.

5th SESSION:

The fourth session discussed partnerships between Chinese and African developers in the green construction industry. Fiona Zhang discussed challenges faced by Chinese companies expanding overseas and the role of Sino (HK) International Corporate Investment Limited in facilitating overseas investments. technology sectors. Alhaji Sahabi Isa Gadamni discussed partnership opportunities in Sokoto State's newly discovered oil elds.

SUMMARY OF ISSUES FROM THE FORUM:

The forum highlighted Africa's openness to trade and investment, Nigeria's potential market, investment promotion, and partnership agreements.

OUTCOME OF THE FORUM

The forum agreed to hold subsequent events in other Asian countries. The need for an Asia chapter of the African Business Roundtable was recognized. Chinese investors expressed interest in Nigerian business opportunities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Cross-border mobility of goods and services between Nigeria and China was emphasized. The review of China's entry visa process was recommended to encourage trade and investment. Chinese investors were encouraged to join the African Business Roundtable

ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES AND EXCHANGE OF GIFTS

Certicates were issued to both the Chinese and Nigerian delegations, and artifacts were presented to the diplomatic corps in China.

DAY 3: Factories Visitation

The Nigerian delegation embarked on a fullday tour of factories in Guangdong province, Guangzhou. The visited factories included LED lighting factories, money counting and fake note detector machine factories, lighting exhibition malls, Beija factory, construction/engineering companies, and hotels.

Ofcial Opening Ceremony with Delegation in Attendance

INGO Third Sector Resource and the African Business Roundtable hosted the 5th edition of the AAIF in Guangzhou, China, from September 20th to 22nd, 2012. This initiative stemmed from Sokoto state's aspiration to expand its frontiers for socioeconomic development under the leadership of its governor, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Wamako. The commitment to unleash the state's full potential in areas of comparative advantage was evident. INGO and its partners organized a highlevel engineering machinery, parts, and automobile expo meetings for the Sokoto state government. This platform enabled the delegation to explore cooperation opportunities, particularly in earthmoving equipment for infrastructure upgrades and engagement in the solid minerals, agriculture, and agro-value chain sectors. The delegation attended the 2nd China–ASEAN Automobile, Engineering Machinery, and Parts Expo, which attracted 323 domestic and foreign enterprises and brands. Notable attendees included team leaders from ASEAN countries and China, VIPs, and guests from across the globe. The only African delegation was led by Aliyu Ibrahim Al-Mustapha, Member of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Dr. Umar Abubakar Aababa, Permanent Secretary, Solid Minerals Ministry of Sokoto State, Alhaji Kabiru Tada, Chairman of Sokoto State Chambers of Commerce, Barrister Chijioke James, Consultant/Facilitator, and other highpowered delegations.

Attendees at the Event Included

- Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China - China Association of Automobile Manufacturers

PART B

Extended Program for Sokoto State Government Delegation (September 23rd - 25th, 2012 - Liuzhou City, People's Republic of China)