The sixth Introduction to Africa Forum takes place in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Sept 17. [Photo/xmnn.cn]

The sixth Introduction to Africa Forum took place in Xiamen, East China's Fujian province on Sept 17, according to the organizers.

Themed on practical cooperation and mutual benefits, the forum was attended by 23 government officials and directors of commerce associations from nine African countries, as well as Chinese experts in legal affairs, finance and insurance.

The participants shared their insights into the conditions and trends of industrial development in Africa and China and how Chinese companies could expand their business overseas, among other hot topics.

Zhang Quanjun, chairman of the Xiamen Trade Promotion Association, pointed out that Africa is the most dynamic emerging market in the world and also a significant destination for Chinese investment.

Zhang added that his association has always urged Xiamen's companies to invest in the continent.

The head of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry And Agriculture in Sierra Leone gave a presentation about local investment policies and potential projects to the forum.

He said that for the past 48 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and China, the latter has helped his country build a raft of roads, bridges, stadiums, as well as water conservation and hydropower facilities.

The Sierra Leone official added that he believes trade and commerce between the two countries will become increasingly close with the help of the forum, the Belt and Road Initiative and other cooperation mechanisms.

Elsewhere, the IT manager of the Ghana Industrial Association noted that BRI brought unprecedented opportunities for business between China and Africa and African countries expected that there would be more investment by Chinese companies in industrial manufacturing, infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Over the past few years, more and more Xiamen companies have invested in Africa, especially in the fields of resources, engineering and e-commerce.