The African Economic and Social Forum was inaugurated on 13 May in the city of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The Chinese Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, Wang Wengang, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

The event was also attended by the First Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Trade, Business Promotion and Industry of Equatorial Guinea, Gaudencio Mohaba Messu; the President of the Union of African Economic and Social Councils, M. Abdelkader Amara; the Vice-President of the China Economic and Social Council, Guo Jun; and the President of the National Council for Economic and Social Development of Equatorial Guinea, Marcelino Owono Edu, along with other African representatives and members of the Equatorial Guinean Government.

In his speech, Wang Wengang stated that China will remain committed to opening up to the outside world, regardless of changes in the international context. The diplomat also emphasised China's readiness to share development opportunities with African countries, promoting Sino-African co-operation and supporting the modernisation of Global South countries.

The forum took place under the theme "Economic diversification and digital transformation: pathways to sustainable development in Africa", focusing on debates around industrial diversification, modernisation of the digital economy and long-term development strategies on the African continent.

(Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, on 13 May)