The High-level China-Africa Investment Forum, revolving around the theme of Trade in Services and Investment between China and Africa, was held at the National Convention Center in Beijing on May 30, 2013. The topic "Prospects and Risks for Chinese Enterprises Investing in Africa" was extensively discussed by Chinese and African participants at the forum. 

In his speech at the opening of the forum, Sun Zhenyu, President of China Society for World Trade Organization Studies and former Vice Minister of Commerce, conveyed his congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the AU, and said China supports Africa’s efforts in regional integration. He noted that Africa now is an emerging destination for foreign investment. China-Africa economic cooperation has been a great boost to Africa’s development, as well as the global economy.

The aviation and tourism industries spearheaded China-Africa trade in services. "I believe bilateral trade in services will be expanded to other fields like finance, insurance and legal consulting. This will surely benefit the people of both sides," Sun said.

With the broadening of bilateral cooperation, forums like this one are of great significance, said Wang Gangyi, President of Beijing Review, China’s leading English weekly news magazine.

"It provides a platform for communication and exchange between government officials, media, business people, scholars and non-government organizations from both China and African countries,” said Wang, adding that face-to-face communication will help not only further mutual understanding, but also explore more opportunities for trade and investment cooperation.

Dr. Bheki Langa, the South African Ambassador to China, is also confident about the prosperity of future China-Africa cooperation.

One of the high-level forums of the Second China (Beijing) International Fair for Trade in Services, the High-Level China-Africa Investment Forum is jointly hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal Government, with China Society for World Trade Organization Studies and Beijing Review acting as co-hosts. The forum and discussion section are respectively hosted by Wang Chengan, Vice President of China Society for World Trade Organization Studies, and Cheng Zhigang, Secretary General of the China Africa Industrial Forum. About 200 people, including scholars from Chinese institutions on African studies, representatives of Chinese enterprises investing in Africa, African ambassadors to China and media outlets in Beijing, attend the forum.