From May 23 to 30, Mao Binghua, Vice Chairperson of the Hunan Overseas Chinese Federation, Executive President of the Hunan Overseas Chinese Entrepreneurs Association, and Chairperson of C-Kingdom Group, led a delegation of member companies from the Association on an eight-day economic and trade inspection tour to Africa, achieving resounding success.

Group Photo at Huanghua Airport Before Departure

The eight-day itinerary in Kenya and Tanzania was packed and purposeful. Visits to industrial parks to understand the business environment, market research, participation in promotion events, and discussions on cooperative projects—every step of Mao Binghua’s delegation unfolded along an efficient and well-targeted schedule.

Responding to the Belt and Road Initiative, Entering the African Market

The year 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the initiative has created favorable conditions for advancing the transformation and development of globalization, opening a door of opportunity for enterprises to “go global” and paving a “new Silk Road” for international cooperation. Before departing from Huanghua Airport, Mao Binghua stated in an interview with CCTV Quality China that C-Kingdom Group remains steadfast in implementing its development strategy of “Building a Golden Brand, Becoming a First-Class Enterprise, Taking Our Products to the World,” continuously expanding its overseas presence.

Mao Binghua Gives Interview to CCTV Quality China Reporter

Since its establishment, C-Kingdom Group has actively participated in supporting numerous overseas projects, such as the Boali Hydropower Station in the Central African Republic, the Senegal Stadium, substations in Tanzania, projects for the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, and substations in Myanmar. In recent years, the company has collaborated with enterprises like Huazi Technology, China Energy Engineering Group Hunan Electric Power Design Institute, and the Smart Power Alliance to establish an overseas export platform, providing high-quality products and services for projects in over 20 countries, including Tanzania, Zambia, Uganda, Iraq, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Estonia, Pakistan, and Myanmar.

“Developing international business and helping Hunan products go global” is the shared aspiration of everyone at C-Kingdom.

At 10 p.m., the lights were still on in the marketing office of C-Kingdom’s comprehensive building. Lu Jun, head of the International Business Department, was poring over documents at his computer, preparing materials for Tanzanian clients scheduled to visit the factory the next day. “International marketing requires meticulous attention. Overseas clients value both price and quality. We need to build their trust through our R&D capabilities, equipment, quality control, and successful case studies.” Efforts pay off. In April, the first batch of C-Kingdom cables exported to Tanzania passed client inspection with 100% compliance—a testament to the hard work of the C-Kingdom team.

As overseas business continues to grow and brand influence expands, the company restructured its international department last year, which had been impacted by the pandemic, and continues to increase resource investment. Prospects for this year are promising, with the goal of achieving direct export sales of 30 million yuan well within reach.

A Fruitful Journey Deepening Friendship

An African proverb says, “A river runs deep because of its source.” China-Africa friendship has a long history, and cooperation is flourishing. On the path of shared development and revitalization, Chinese and African enterprises support each other and engage in sincere cooperation, forging a bond akin to brotherhood. Relatives grow closer through visits, and friendships deepen through interaction. In April this year, a delegation of the African Organization for Peace and Security Think Tanks visited C-Kingdom Group and extended a sincere invitation for the company to conduct an inspection tour in Africa. Mao Binghua’s delegation was warmly received by African friends during this visit—a journey that not only explored business opportunities but also honored commitments to friends.

In Kajiaduo County, the “Land of the Maasai”; in Nairobi, the “Little Paris of East Africa”; in Dar es Salaam, the “Harbor of Peace”—over eight days in two countries, multiple cross-border economic exchanges and project advancements, and several cooperative intentions and strategic agreements were achieved. C-Kingdom Group engaged in a series of high-level meetings, business discussions, economic and trade seminars, and industrial park inspections with local Chinese-funded and native enterprises and institutions, delivering both substance and results.

At Zoomlion Kenya Company

Ms. Wang Xiangyu, General Manager of the East Africa Trade and Logistics Center Management Co., Ltd., personally hosted C-Kingdom’s on-site inspection and introduced the project. Once completed, the center will serve a population of 1.4 billion in East Africa, becoming a bridgehead for commerce, trade, and logistics in Africa. The two sides reached a strategic cooperation agreement on the procurement of wires and cables and on leveraging the East Africa Trade and Logistics Center to establish C-Kingdom’s distribution hub in the African market. Mao Binghua cordially invited General Manager Wang Xiangyu and her team to visit C-Kingdom Group’s headquarters in Changsha, aiming to elevate the close and friendly cooperation between the two sides to new heights.

On-site Inspection of East Africa Trade and Logistics Center Project

Signing Strategic Cooperation Agreement with East Africa Trade and Logistics Center Management Co., Ltd.

Africa is rich in mineral resources, while C-Kingdom’s demand for copper continues to grow robustly. Seeking copper resource cooperation was also one of the key objectives of this inspection tour. During the visit, C-Kingdom met with the Tanzania Export Processing Zones Authority. Director Charles Itembe introduced the functions, workflows, investment opportunities, and one-stop services of the export processing zones and special economic zones, expressing readiness to provide investment advice and comprehensive solutions tailored to C-Kingdom’s market needs.

Meeting with Tanzania Export Processing Zones Authority

Project Negotiations with African Clients

Mao Binghua remarked, “This field inspection to Africa has allowed us to see both the opportunities and potential, as well as the challenges and difficulties to address. Nevertheless, the overall outlook is promising, and the importance of the African market is undeniable.”

Those who connect with sincerity build lasting bonds. Riding the momentum of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, the prospects for exchanges between Changsha and Africa will grow ever broader, and so too will the prospects for exchanges between C-Kingdom Group and Africa!