The seventh China-Africa People's Forum and the China-Africa Youth Leaders' Forum concluded in the southern province of Hunan on July 26. Over 200 African leaders from business, education and politics attended the three-day exchange. They come from more than fifty African nations, eager to learn from China's latest reforms and modernization efforts. Established in 2011, the event has been a key platform for non-governmental exchanges between China and Africa. China has been the continent's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years: total bilateral trade reached a record $282 billion last year, with private companies driving the growth. Participants at the forums welcomed the opportunities to foster business ties and friendship ahead of official dialogues in Beijing in September.