On the afternoon of October 30, 2024, Xue Bing, Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Horn of Africa Affairs, and Deng Weiping, Member of the Party Leadership Group & Deputy Director-General of Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce, visited Mainland Group to conduct research and guidance on the Group’s Africa-related business development. Zhou Weihua, Deputy General Manager of Mainland Group, together with the senior management team, extended a warm reception throughout the visit and participated in the discussion.

During the meeting, Special Envoy Xue Bing affirmed and spoke highly of Mainland Group’s strategy of deeply developing the agricultural product industrial chain in Africa. He pointed out that Mainland Group’s focus on agricultural products not only effectively addresses food supply challenges in African regions, but also strongly drives the modernization of African agriculture. Such efforts are conducive to agricultural development in Africa and constitute a vital link for deepening China-Africa economic and trade cooperation and friendship. Special Envoy Xue stressed that Chinese enterprises operating in Africa must abide by local laws and regulations and respect local cultures and customs, which is the foundation for maintaining sound cooperative relations between Chinese enterprises and African countries. He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fully support Chinese enterprises that are willing and capable of expanding investment in Africa and have a good reputation, and will safeguard their legitimate rights and interests in Africa. Meanwhile, he hoped Mainland Group would maintain close communication with the embassy, which would also provide all-round policy support to promote the sound development of enterprises in Africa.

Deputy Director Deng Weiping welcomed Mainland Group’s decision to locate its headquarters in Changsha, Hunan Province. He noted that the Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce is thoroughly implementing the spirit of President Xi Jinping’s keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Relevant supporting policies will be rolled out going forward to fully support enterprise development. He also expected Mainland Group to leverage its role as a leading enterprise to promote closer interaction between the government and enterprises, move forward together, and contribute to the high-quality development of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.

Zhou Weihua, Deputy General Manager of the Group, expressed gratitude to leading officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hunan Provincial Department of Commerce for their care and support. He said the Group has benefited from this favorable era and pledged to stay true to its original aspiration. Mainland Group is ready to act as a bridge, continuously explore new cooperation models, expand cooperation fields, and bring together resources and strengths from all sides to achieve win-win outcomes.

This research visit greatly strengthened Mainland Group’s sense of belonging and responsibility as a Chinese enterprise operating overseas, and the Group appreciates the recognition and support from government authorities. Mainland Group commits to actively responding to national strategies while injecting positive momentum into deeper China-Africa relations. The Group’s long-term plans and tangible initiatives will write more inspiring stories on the global stage and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.