The China-Africa Salon on Cooperation Between Friendship Cities and Ports is held on 27 May in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province (Courtesy) 

The China-Africa Salon on Cooperation Between Friendship Cities and Ports was held on 27 May in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, bringing together representatives from Chinese and African sister cities and ports. Focusing on green and smart ports, as well as port-industry-city integration, the event highlighted new opportunities for China-Africa cooperation. 

Evelyne Tchichelle, president of the Departmental and Municipal Council of Pointe-Noire and mayor of Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo, discussed the role of ports in industrial growth, urban development and regional connectivity. Pointe-Noire, a key transport hub in Central Africa, is working to transform itself into a smarter, greener and more industry-friendly port. "We aim to become an exemplary port in Africa, and that's where we see great potential in cooperating with China," she said. 

Wu Changpan, deputy general manager of Zhejiang Seaport Group and Ningbo-Zhoushan Port Group, said the Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is ready to expand cooperation with African countries through its strengths in port automation and green transition. 

The Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is the world's busiest port by cargo throughput, according to Wu. Last year, it handled a record 1.4 billion tonnes of cargo, ranking first globally for the 17th consecutive year. "The growth of the port reflects rising global demand for Chinese goods, including from Africa, which means greater opportunities for cooperation between Chinese and African ports," Wu said. 

The salon also discussed the impact of China's zero-tariff policy for the 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. Panellists agreed that the significance of the policy goes beyond trade, offering new momentum for Africa's industrial development. 

"The policy will support Africa’s transition from being primarily a supplier of raw materials and contribute to its long-term autonomous development," said Phoebe Namulindwa, resident district commissioner of Kassanda District, Uganda, adding that the policy has created new opportunities for Chinese and African sister cities and ports to deepen cooperation. 

The event concluded with the release of an initiative calling for stronger ties between friendship cities and deeper cooperation in port connectivity, port-related industries and green transition. 

The salon was part of the 10th Maritime Silk Road Port Cooperation Forum, held in Ningbo from 27 to 28 May. The forum brought together over 1,000 participants from around 70 countries and regions. First launched in 2015, it has become a key platform for global exchange and cooperation in the maritime transport sector.