The inaugural meeting of the China-Africa Chamber of Commerce (Zhejiang) is held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 29. [Photo/Tide News]

The inaugural meeting of the China-Africa Chamber of Commerce (Zhejiang) was held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on May 29.

During the event, a representative of the China-Africa Chamber of Commerce read aloud the official approval for the establishment of the Zhejiang office. Zhong Zhangling, chief representative of the new office, delivered a keynote speech and presented the registration certificate, witnessed by diplomats, business leaders, and local officials.

In a symbolic moment during the plaque and flag presentation ceremony, Jean Louis Robinson, Madagascar's ambassador to China, conferred the official nameplate to the Zhejiang office.

Ambassadors from Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Sierra Leone jointly presented a commemorative trophy celebrating China-Africa friendship and cooperation. Ambassador Robinson also handed over national flags representing the chamber's seven African member countries, underscoring a commitment to deeper multilateral ties.

Founded on July 21, 2014, and officially registered in Antananarivo, Madagascar, the China-Africa Chamber of Commerce includes eight countries — China, Madagascar, South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zambia, and Tanzania.

Since its inception, the chamber has played an active role in organizational development, trade and business services, people-to-people diplomacy, cultural exchange, and philanthropic work. The Zhejiang office is the chamber's first provincial-level overseas representative body.

China has maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. Over the past three years, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million jobs across the African continent.