China-Africa Entrepreneurs Forum is held in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 16th, 2015. (Picture: People’s Daily Online)

Johannesburg, July 17th (People’s Daily Online) - Hundreds of entrepreneurs from China and from Africa gathered in the headquarter of Standard Bank in Johannesburg on Thursday for China-Africa Entrepreneurs Forum.

“Enterprise is a main player in China-Africa cooperation and an important engine driving China-Africa relations.” said Tian Xuejun, Ambassador of China to South Africa, “This forum provides an excellent platform for enterprises of China and Africa to deepen understanding, strengthen cooperation and map out the blueprint for China-Africa business cooperation.”

Mr. Tian Xuejun, Ambassador of China to South Africa, addresses China-Africa Entrepreneurs Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 16th, 2015. (Picture: People’s Daily Online / Zhang Jiexian)

While consolidating cooperation in traditional fields, Tian identified three priority areas for China-Africa cooperation at the forum, including industrial cooperation, peace and security cooperation, economic reconstruction and public health system building in the post-Ebola era.

Yunus Hoosen, Head of Trade and Investment South Africa mentioned a range of identified areas for investment opportunities, a number of Special Economic Zone programs and incentives to support foreign investment. “We as Department of Trade and Industry want to strengthen our relationship with entrepreneurs from China, and we welcome Chinese investment in South Africa, especially in our productive sectors.”

Yunus Hoosen, Head of Trade and Investment South Africa highlights a list of incentives support for foreign investment in South Africa. (Picture: People’s Daily Online / Zhang Jiexian)

The Forum, under the theme of “A Rising Continent, A Loyal Friend”, raised “Mining & Metal” and “Diversified Industries” as main topics of its panel discussion session. Participants of various enterprises from the two countries communicated freely at the forum, discussed cooperation opportunities and contributed their ideas and suggestions to China-Africa business.

The Forum is co-hosted by ICBC, Standard Bank and China Entrepreneurs Forum, and is heading to Kenya in the following week.

Entrepreneurs from the two countries communicate freely at the China-Africa Forum held in Johannesburg, South Africa on July 16th, 2015. (Picture: People’s Daily Online)

At present, China’s direct investment in Africa topped nearly 30 billion US dollars and there are over 2500 Chinese companies doing business in Africa, creating over 100 thousand local jobs.

Meanwhile, 2015 is the Year of China in South Africa and it also marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of FOCAC. In the latter half of this year, FOCAC conference will be held in South Africa.