Group 1: Forum Highlights - The Hongqiao International Economic Forum held a sub-forum titled "Deepening Global South Cooperation Towards Common Prosperity," focusing on multilateralism, enhancing economic resilience in the Global South, and promoting sustainable agricultural development [1] - The China International Import Expo (CIIE) expanded the African product area to include an "Asia-Africa Product Zone," showcasing high-quality agricultural products and cultural features from Asia and Africa, reflecting China's commitment to opening up and promoting cooperation among Global South countries [1] Group 2: Standard Bank Group's Participation - Standard Bank Group, one of Africa's largest banking groups, has organized African enterprises to participate in the CIIE for five consecutive years, showcasing products from 23 agricultural and food companies from over 20 African countries [3] - The bank has helped over 180 African agricultural enterprises enter the Chinese market, with this year's exhibition being larger and more effective than previous years, indicating a more mature understanding of Chinese consumer demands [5] Group 3: Trade Agreements and Collaborations - Standard Bank signed a memorandum of cooperation with the China Chamber of Commerce for Foodstuffs and Native Produce (CFNA) to deepen collaboration in agricultural trade and sustainable supply chains [7] - South African company Carmen Tea successfully signed an agreement to export tea to China, while Kenyan coffee producers established long-term supply partnerships with Chinese buyers, highlighting the significance of these collaborations for African SMEs [7] Group 4: South African Market Expansion - Tiger Consumer Brands Ltd, a leading fast-moving consumer goods company in South Africa, aims to leverage the CIIE platform to expand its market presence in China [8] - The South African government emphasizes the CIIE as a vital platform for promoting trade and cooperation, noting the significant opportunities presented by the Chinese market [10] Group 5: Rwandan Coffee Export Plans - Rwandan coffee brand OneCup plans to export approximately 20 tons of coffee to China this year, capitalizing on the favorable trade relations and zero-tariff policies between China and Rwanda [16] - The company aims to establish long-term partnerships with Chinese traders and retailers through the CIIE, enhancing the visibility of Rwandan coffee in the Chinese market [16] Group 6: Joy Wing Mau's Global Cooperation - Joy Wing Mau Chile Co., Ltd. showcased its fruit products at the CIIE, emphasizing its global cooperation model that connects high-quality orchards from over 40 countries to the Chinese market [18] - The company reported a transaction volume exceeding 230,000 tons annually, with a focus on enhancing the freshness and efficiency of imported fruits through new shipping routes [20] Group 7: Iranian Rose Products - Dorrin Golab Adonis Ghamsar Kashan Co. from Iran showcased its Damascus rose products at the CIIE, highlighting the historical significance and quality of its offerings [22] - The company has successfully introduced its products to the Chinese market, with annual sales of nearly one million bottles of rose water, reflecting the growing interest in natural products among Chinese consumers [23]

Group 1 - The "Colorful World" cultural exchange event showcased cultural and regional characteristics from 20 Belt and Road Initiative countries, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in trade and tourism [1] - Rwandan exhibitors emphasized the benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative and China's zero-tariff policy, which facilitate the entry of Rwandan coffee into the Chinese market [1] - Moldovan exhibitors expressed optimism about deepening trade and cultural cooperation with China through the platform provided by the event, noting significant interest in wine tourism [1] Group 2 - The cultural service exhibition area covered 11,100 square meters and featured over 400 domestic and international enterprises, including 83 Fortune 500 companies [2] - The exhibition theme "Empowered by Technology, Led by Creativity" included four main sections: traditional Chinese culture, new cultural productivity, integration of culture and tourism, and overseas dissemination of cultural products [2] - Participants experienced the latest achievements in the integration of technology and the cultural tourism industry through immersive technologies like augmented reality and 3D displays [2]

Core Insights - Côte d'Ivoire, alongside Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso, is a major global supplier of shea butter [1] - The shea butter production season for 2025-2026 has officially commenced, with Côte d'Ivoire's annual production estimated at 250,000 tons, of which 32% is processed locally [1] - The government has transferred regulatory authority of the shea industry to the Cotton and Cashew Council to enhance budget management and address marketing and value-added challenges [1] Market Trends - The shea butter oil market is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing demand from the cosmetics and food industries [1] - The global shea butter oil market is projected to reach $2.41 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 7.9%, reaching $3.74 billion by 2030 [1]

Core Insights - Ghana is promoting six major investment products to the Asian market, indicating a growing interest and opportunity for African products in Asia [1] Investment Opportunities - The six recommended investment products from Ghana include: - Shea butter - African black soap (Alata Samina) - Cashews - Rubber - Chocolate - Real estate [1] Market Context - As of 2023, Singaporean companies have invested over $20 billion in Africa, making Singapore one of the top ten sources of investment in the continent [1]