As the FOCAC summit came to an end, business leaders from China and Africa shared their thoughts with CGTN on Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote speech. They also offered their expectations on future cooperation. After deciphering the messages and signals sent by President Xi in his keynote speech, participants had their own say. But one thing is certain, they all believe the proposed measures and initiatives are concrete and precise.
"What is important is the implementation to put the timeline into the five plans... It is important to know what the timeline is... If we put the timelines, it's the measuring tool for our success plans for us to know whether we are doing well or not doing well," said Ousmane Tall, manager of the South Africa-based SFM Electrical and Refrigeration Groups.
"Speaking of trade facilitation and capacity building, President Xi proposed assisting customs in African countries to improve efficiency. Xi also mentioned China will host its international import expo in Shanghai later this year. That's really encouraging, and shows that his plans are solid," said Zhou Zhaojiang, president of Transsion Holdings.
Looking ahead, infrastructure still remains business leaders' top priority among all areas of future cooperation.
"My initial reaction is the opportunity being represented in infrastructure space. Africa needs a lot of infrastructure development... In those areas of power, railway and telecommunication, I think that has an immense scope (of cooperation)," said Oluwasola. G Okulaja, partner of Nigeria-based La Terre Batiment Limited.
"When President Xi mentioned the community of shared future in his speech, applause erupted from all participants at the opening ceremony. As an entrepreneur in the aviation sector, I could feel great potential for cooperation with our partner South Africa in infrastructure, like small-size aircraft," Ma Haibin, vice chairman of Jiangsu Lantian Aerospace Industrial Park, echoed.
While the two sides are forging closer ties, some Western media suspect it's all part of a so-called "debt trap" enforced by China. Several African delegates objected to that notion. "President Xi Jinping has put it very clearly yesterday. What he said is that the aid to Africa has no attachment to it and it is not going to influence the domestic political affairs. I think that's very key to say," added Ousmane Tall.
"I don't think so. I don't agree. I think at the end of the day, there are opportunities for each party provided and we look at it with our eyes open to cooperate willingly in a win-win fashion that allows the needed infrastructure in Africa, and for China to assist the development and get the resources it needs," Okulaja said, also denying the claims.
Following the two-day forum, the spirit of wide-range exchanges is expected to leave a lasting legacy in building a stronger China-Africa community with a shared future.