The economic and trade exchanges between Zhejiang and Africa have become increasingly close in recent years. The trade volume reached $30.1 billion in 2018; into Zhejiang were at $5 billion, increasing by 24 percent over the past year.

Not only does the trade volume keep increasing, the import-export goods between the two sides are more diversified. Wine from South Africa, coffee from Ethiopia, black tea and handicrafts from Kenya are all welcomed by consumers in Zhejiang.

By the end of 2018, there were about 20,000 Zhejiang residents living or working in Africa. The investment of Zhejiang enterprises in Africa totaled $3.1 billion and the investment areas extended from the traditional fields of textiles and wholesale to new areas of pharmaceuticals, security, e-commerce and culture.

The China (Zhejiang)-Africa Trade and Investment Conference is held in Changsha, Hunan province on June 27. Representatives from Zhejiang and Africa attended the conference. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]