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Ambassador Cui Jianchun of China published a signed article titled "Facing the Future, Working Hand in Hand, Building an Even Closer China-Nepal Community with a Shared Future" in Nepalese media.

From January 18 to 19, 2024, Cui Jianchun, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, published a signed article titled "Facing the Future, Working Together, Building a Closer China-Nigeria Community with a Shared Future" in major Nigerian media outlets such as The People's Daily, The Sun, The Guardian, and The Dawn. The full text is as follows: From December 27 to 28, 2023, the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference was held in Beijing, attended by President Xi Jinping, who delivered an important speech. In his important speech, President Xi Jinping systematically summarized the historic achievements and valuable experience of China's major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era, profoundly expounded on the international environment and historical mission facing foreign work in the new journey, and made comprehensive deployments for foreign work in the current and future periods. The meeting pointed out that building a community with a shared future for mankind embodies the worldview, order view, and values of Chinese communists, conforms to the common aspirations of the people of all countries, points out the direction for the progress of world civilization, and is the lofty goal pursued by China's major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Building a community with a shared future for mankind is the core concept of Xi Jinping's diplomatic thought, reflecting the high degree of unity between the original mission of the Communist Party of China and the trend of the times, bringing together the greatest common divisor of the people of all countries' aspirations to build a better world, and having significant theoretical value and profound historical significance, increasingly demonstrating strong influence, vitality, and appeal. Building a community with a shared future for mankind highlights the trend of history and the aspirations of the people. Building a community with a shared future for mankind strives to build a world of lasting peace, universal security, common prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, and a clean and beautiful environment, with the goal of promoting global governance of shared consultation, construction, and sharing as the path to realization, the practice of common values for all mankind as the universal principle, the promotion of building a new type of international relations as the basic support, the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative as strategic guidance, and high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative as the practical platform, promoting countries to work together to address challenges, achieve common prosperity, and promote the world towards a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress. In March 2013, President Xi Jinping proposed the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, contributing a Chinese solution to addressing common challenges facing all mankind and building a better world, and winning widespread support from African countries, including Nigeria. Last year marked the tenth anniversary of President Xi Jinping's advocacy of the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Over the past ten years, building a community with a shared future for mankind has evolved from a concept to a scientific system, from a Chinese initiative to an international consensus, and from a vision to rich practice, having been included in the UN General Assembly resolutions for seven consecutive years, continuously extending to various regions and fields, and becoming a glorious banner leading the progress of the times. China is the world's largest developing country, and Nigeria is Africa's largest economy. China and Nigeria have always been a community with a shared future. Over the past ten years, the construction of the China-Nigeria community with a shared future has made great strides, with Nigeria becoming China's largest engineering contracting market in Africa, third-largest trading partner, and major investment destination. Practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries has been fruitful, with major projects undertaken by Chinese companies, such as the Lekki Deepwater Port, the Zungeru Hydropower Station, the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, the Kafanchan Highway, and several airport terminals, having been completed or making smooth progress, and the construction of the free trade zone has achieved remarkable results. Personnel exchanges between the two countries have become increasingly convenient, and people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly close. With the joint efforts of both sides, China and Nigeria have become important strategic partners for each other, and China-Nigeria relations have entered a new stage of jointly building a high-level community with a shared future. Nigeria is an important member of the China-Africa community with a shared future. In August last year, Vice President Shettima attended the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue co-chaired by President Xi Jinping and South African President Ramaphosa, and jointly decided with all parties to build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. In October last year, Vice President Shettima represented President Tinubu to attend the Third Belt and Road International Cooperation Summit Forum in China, and met with President Xi Jinping and Vice President Han Zheng respectively. The leaders of the two countries reached an important consensus on continuously deepening cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative and raising bilateral relations to a new level. Many hands make light work, and mutual assistance leads to greater progress. Building a China-Nigeria community with a shared future requires the joint efforts of both sides. Since I assumed the post of the 14th Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, I have been deeply thinking about how to further promote all-round cooperation between the two countries, and have proposed the China-Nigeria 5GIST growth, development, and progress strategy, the "Sharing Chinese Culture and Playing a Harmonious Tune of China-Nigeria Cooperation" initiative, and the "Party-Enterprise-Government" (PEG) cooperation new model. China has always been committed to providing support for the economic and social development of African countries. In November 2022, President Xi Jinping announced the implementation of the nine programs for China-Africa cooperation. In August 2023, President Xi Jinping proposed the implementation of the "Initiative to Support African Industrialization," the "China's Assistance to African Agricultural Modernization Plan," and the "China-Africa Talent Cultivation Cooperation Plan." President Tinubu has put forward the "Renewed Hope," and I would like to respond by establishing "Renewed Ties" (Thought/Investment/Endeavor), sowing "Renewed Seeds" (Security/Education/Economy/Democracy), and achieving "Renewed GDP" (Growth/Development/Progress) among the governments, enterprises, and people of the two countries, further deepening practical bilateral cooperation. President Tinubu has put forward "eight priority areas," and China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Nigeria, pursue mutual benefit and win-win results, and achieve common development. In 2024, we will usher in the year of the Dragon in the lunar calendar. In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon represents auspiciousness, wisdom, and strength. This year, China will host the next China-Africa Cooperation Forum, and China and Africa will once again discuss the future development plan. China will continue to adhere to the policy concept of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith towards Africa and the correct view of righteousness and interests, and work with Nigeria as partners who respect each other, treat each other as equals, and cooperate sincerely, to jointly build a closer China-Nigeria community with a shared future.

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01-24

Ambassador Cui Jianchun of China published a signed article titled "Facing the Future, Working Hand in Hand, Building an Even Closer China-Nepal Community with a Shared Future" in Nepalese media.

Shandong's 2023 foreign trade report card is here: Highlights amidst resilience

Recently, Shandong's 2023 foreign trade performance report was released: The total annual import and export value was 3.26 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 1.7%; exports were 1.94 trillion yuan, up 1.1%; imports were 1.32 trillion yuan, up 2.7%. The growth rates of imports and exports, exports, and imports all generally outperformed the national average. Against the backdrop of a more complex global foreign trade situation last year, Shandong's foreign trade demonstrated ample resilience in 2023, contributing to the stability of the national foreign trade foundation. Analyzing various situations, Shandong's imports and exports showed resilience while also presenting frequent highlights last year. Firstly, the diversification of trading partners. In 2023, Shandong's trading partners spanned over 230 countries and regions worldwide. Among them, imports and exports to countries jointly building the 'Belt and Road' amounted to 1.84 trillion yuan, an increase of 3.3%, accounting for 56.3% of the province's total import and export value, an increase of 0.8 percentage points. Over the ten years since the 'Belt and Road' initiative was proposed, Shandong has accelerated its efforts to serve the national opening-up strategy, continuously consolidating the win-win situation with co-building countries. In 2023, while consolidating traditional foreign trade markets, Shandong actively explored emerging markets such as ASEAN and Africa, deeply implementing the 'Overseas Hundred Exhibitions Market Expansion Plan'. Provincial and municipal levels cumulatively organized over 3,600 enterprises to participate in more than 530 overseas exhibitions, further expanding the 'circle of friends' in foreign trade. Secondly, foreign trade entities have shown ample vitality. In 2023, foreign trade entities with import and export records in Shandong Province exceeded 68,000, an increase of over 4,000 from the previous year. Among them, private enterprises totaled 62,300, with combined imports and exports of 2.42 trillion yuan, up 3.9%, accounting for 74.3% of the province's total import and export value, an increase of 1.6 percentage points, driving the province's growth by 2.8 percentage points, highlighting their role as the main force in foreign trade. In 2023, facing the impact of various unfavorable factors on foreign trade, Shandong strengthened policy support, focusing on issues such as sluggish external demand and insufficient orders. It researched and issued 'Several Measures to Promote Stable Scale, Optimized Structure, and High-Quality Development of Foreign Trade and Investment', 'Shandong Province Cross-border E-commerce Leapfrog Development Action Plan (2023-2025)', 'Several Policies to Promote Stable Scale and Optimized Structure of Foreign Trade', and others, proposing over 60 specific measures to stabilize the confidence of foreign trade enterprises. The vitality of foreign trade entities, especially private enterprises, confirms that these policy measures have played a positive role. Thirdly, the rise of new drivers in foreign trade. In 2023, China surpassed Japan to become the world's largest automobile exporter, with new drivers represented by the foreign trade 'new three items' showing outstanding performance, becoming new growth points for foreign trade. Shandong has a solid foundation in the automobile manufacturing industry and complete industrial infrastructure, possessing a late-mover advantage in developing the foreign trade 'new three items'. In 2023, Shandong's exports of the foreign trade 'new three items' products amounted to 9.39 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 47.3%. Looking back at 2023, Shandong's foreign trade import and export scale showed steady growth, and the quality of development improved. Looking ahead to 2024, although the external economic environment still presents uncertainties, the trend of China's economic recovery and long-term improvement remains unchanged. Shandong possesses a solid industrial foundation, and the transformation of old and new growth drivers is continuously deepening, with factors supporting high-quality development continuously accumulating. In the new year, as policy effects gradually become apparent and high-level opening-up steadily progresses, Shandong's foreign trade foundation will continue to be consolidated, and the basis for stable import and export growth, improved quality, and increased efficiency will be further strengthened.

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01-24

Shandong's 2023 foreign trade report card is here: Highlights amidst resilience

Africa Economic Outlook 2023: North Africa's economy grew by 4.6% in 2023, with South Africa hindering Southern Africa's economic recovery.

In July, the African Development Bank (AfDB) released its latest African regional economic outlook. The AfDB data indicates that the African economy will maintain strong recovery momentum in the medium term, with growth rates exceeding the global average. Regionally, North Africa will see a slight uptick, with economic growth reaching 4.6% in 2023. Southern Africa's economic growth is slowing, lagging behind other regions of Africa. In a previous article, we interpreted the strong recovery momentum of the East and West African economies based on the AfDB report. In this article, we will focus on interpreting the economic growth of North and Southern African countries, and take a look at the economic prospects of these two regions. North Africa's economic growth reached 4.6% in 2023, highlighting the need for economic diversification AfDB data shows that the macroeconomic outlook for North Africa remains positive, exceeding the African average. North Africa's economic growth is projected to increase slightly to 4.6% and 4.4% in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Growth in the region is mainly driven by the service sector, particularly trade and tourism. From a national perspective, compared to 2022, Egypt's real GDP growth rate is expected to decline by 2.2 percentage points in 2023, and Tunisia by 0.5 percentage points. Libya's economy is expected to see a significant recovery in 2023, with real GDP growth reaching as high as 17.9%. Algeria's economic growth is expected to rise slightly, reaching 3.1% in 2023. Morocco will recover from the 2022 drought, with economic growth increasing significantly to 3.3%. The North Africa Economic Outlook 2023 report also shows that North Africa's economic growth in 2022 was moderate, with GDP growth at 4.1%, lower than 5.4% in 2021. North African countries are struggling to cope with rising inflation and challenges to growth recovery. Inflation in the region continues to rise, from 4.6% in 2021 to 8.2% in 2022, leading most North African countries to implement restrictive monetary policies. Inflation is expected to rise further to double digits in 2023, reaching 14.2%, before falling to 6.9% in 2024. Poverty and unemployment rates, particularly youth unemployment, have recently risen, highlighting the need to strengthen the region's economic resilience and diversification. To maintain inclusive growth, the region needs to implement structural reforms, promote private sector development, improve productivity and employability, and create jobs. Southern Africa's economic outlook is bleak, with economic growth slightly recovering to 2.7% in 2024 The AfDB's latest Southern Africa economic report points out that, significantly impacted by internal conflicts, power crises, and natural disasters, the economic outlook for Southern Africa is bleak, with GDP growth lagging behind other regions of Africa. Over the past year, Southern Africa's economic growth has slowed, with South Africa, the largest economy, facing multiple challenges. Data from the AfDB's South Africa Economic Outlook 2023 report shows that in 2022, Southern Africa's GDP growth barely reached 2.7%, well below the global and African averages of 3.4% and 3.8%. The report projects that growth in the region will slow further to 1.6% in 2023, before improving slightly to 2.7% in 2024. The Southern Africa report links the region's slow performance to "South Africa's persistent political and structural problems dragging down regional growth, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict putting pressure on energy and food prices." The report expects external debt across Southern Africa to reach 48% by 2022, and the high external debt burden will further hinder its economic recovery. The Southern Africa report also notes that declining per capita income growth in most countries in the region threatens the growth rate needed for poverty reduction, while weak growth also puts pressure on youth employment. Unemployment is described as "one of the biggest challenges in the region." According to AfDB forecasts, supported by positive factors, the African economic recovery is developing favorably, GDP will maintain sustained growth, and in the medium term, African economic growth will exceed the global average. However, regional differences remain, and the economic performance of different regions and countries will vary. The AfDB predicts that the macroeconomic outlook for North Africa remains positive, exceeding the African average. Southern Africa, however, is severely affected by climate change, and the medium-term economic outlook is poor. Source: Baijing Chuhai

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01-23

Africa Economic Outlook 2023: North Africa's economy grew by 4.6% in 2023, with South Africa hindering Southern Africa's economic recovery.

2023 US Entry Policy & Visa Guide: No pre-departure nucleic acid test required for entry to the US! Only vaccination is needed!

Visa Travel Guide US B1/B2 Business, Tourism, and Family Visit Visa Visa Application Materials Basic Materials: ① Non-immigrant visa electronic application form (DS-160) ② Valid passport for travel to the United States, valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the US ③ One 2-inch x 2-inch (5.1 cm x 5.1 cm) photograph taken within the last six months ④ Interview appointment letter Supporting Materials: ① Current income proof, tax returns, property certificate or business ownership certificate, proof of assets. ② Itinerary and/or other explanations of travel plans. ③ Letter of introduction from the applicant's employer, detailing the applicant's position, salary, start date, whether leave is approved, purpose of business activities in the US (if any), etc. ④ Criminal/court records (regardless of arrest or conviction anywhere, even if the sentence has been served or pardoned) Students also need to provide: Transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas, as well as bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, etc., as proof of funds. Employees need to provide: Employment certificate issued by the company and salary slips for the last three months. Entrepreneurs and company executives: Please bring proof of position and salary from your company. Family visitors need to provide: Household registration book or other documents proving true family relationship, recent photos with US relatives, copies of relatives' US passports or green cards (if relatives are in the US for a short stay, copies of their passports and US visas should be provided), etc. Those with previous US travel experience should bring: Documents proving the corresponding identity or visa status, especially all previously used US visas (including expired visas). Application Method Complete the DS-160 application form, pay the visa fee, schedule an interview, and attend the interview at the US embassy or consulate general at the appointed time. Estimated Issuance Time Visa processing time is generally three working days, but the specific processing time for individual cases may vary depending on individual circumstances and special requirements. Information on US Consulates in China US Embassy in China Address: 55 Anjia Lou Lu, Beijing Jurisdiction: Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi, Ningxia, Shandong, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Qinghai and Xinjiang US Consulate General (Guangzhou) Address: Huaxia Road, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (near Exit B1 of Zhujiang New Town Station on Metro Line 3 or 5). All visa applicants with scheduled interviews should go to the consular guest entrance on Huaxia Road. Jurisdiction: Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan US Consulate General (Shanghai) Address: 8th Floor, Meilongzhen Plaza, 1038 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai Jurisdiction: Anhui, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Zhejiang US Consulate General (Shenyang) Address: 52 Shisi Wei Lu, Heping District, Shenyang Jurisdiction: Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning Entry into the US COVID-19 Prevention Requirements On March 10, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted the requirement for air passengers from China (including the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions) to present a negative COVID-19 test or recovery documentation before boarding a flight to the United States. According to the latest news from the US Visa Center website, air travelers entering the United States from the People's Republic of China (PRC) (including the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions) do not need to undergo COVID-19 testing. Non-immigrant travelers still need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

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01-23

2023 US Entry Policy & Visa Guide: No pre-departure nucleic acid test required for entry to the US! Only vaccination is needed!

In 2023, Shandong Province's import and export trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 3.3%.

On the afternoon of January 17, the Information Office of Shandong Provincial People's Government held a press conference, inviting relevant officials from Qingdao Customs and Jinan Customs to introduce the situation of Shandong Province's foreign trade import and export in 2023.At the press conference, Zhang Yibing, Deputy Commissioner of Jinan Customs, introduced Shandong Province's import and export situation with "Belt and Road" partner countries in the first half of 2023.According to Zhang Yibing, over the past year, Shandong Province has achieved smoother customs clearance and closer trade ties with "Belt and Road" partner countries, playing an increasingly prominent role in promoting high-quality development of Shandong's foreign trade.Data shows that in 2023, Shandong Province's import and export with partner countries reached 1.84 trillion RMB, a year-on-year increase of 3.3%. Among these, exports were 995.3 billion RMB, up 4.8%; imports were 843.45 billion RMB, up 1.5%. The main characteristics are as follows:First, trade ties have become closer, and the scale of import and export has steadily expanded. Since the "Belt and Road" Initiative was proposed, Shandong Province's trade volume with partner countries has repeatedly hit new highs. In 2019 and 2022, it successively crossed the 1 trillion and 1.5 trillion RMB thresholds, respectively. In 2023, the import and export value reached 1.84 trillion RMB, accounting for 56.3% of the province's total foreign trade, with both scale and proportion being the highest levels since the initiative's inception.Second, partnerships have become closer, with import and export growth achieved with most partner countries. Against the backdrop of weak recovery in developed economies in Europe and America, "Belt and Road" countries, mainly emerging markets, have taken over and become important partners supporting our province's foreign trade growth. In 2023, Shandong Province achieved import and export growth with 107 partner countries, with trade with Malaysia, Russia, and Guinea growing by 22.4%, 27.6%, and 22.5% respectively.Third, foreign trade entities continue to grow, with private enterprises being the most dynamic. Private enterprises' participation in trade with partner countries continues to increase. In 2023, a total of 53,000 enterprises in Shandong Province deepened their presence in the "Belt and Road" market, an increase of 3,891. Among these, 48,500 were private enterprises, achieving an import and export value of 1.44 trillion RMB, an increase of 5.3%, and their share increased by 1.5 percentage points to 78.1%, driving the import and export growth with partner countries by 4 percentage points.Fourth, new and old growth drivers work in synergy, making industrial connections smoother. In 2023, Shandong Province's exports of mechanical and electrical products to partner countries reached 446.86 billion RMB, an increase of 12.8%, accounting for 44.9%. Among these, exports of "new three" products such as electric manned vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and solar cells increased by 32%; exports of clothing and furniture increased by 17.6% and 39.7% respectively. The connection between partner countries and our province's industrial and supply chains is becoming closer, with 57% of our province's intermediate products exported to partner countries. Among these, automotive parts, chemical fiber textile raw materials, and ferroalloys increased by 22.5%, 117.4%, and 519.7% respectively.Fifth, trade cooperation in agricultural and energy products continues to deepen. Since the "Belt and Road" Initiative was proposed, the depth and breadth of Shandong Province's cooperation with partner countries in agricultural and energy products have continuously expanded. Partner countries have become important agricultural trade partners and sources of energy products for our province. In 2023, our province's agricultural trade volume with partner countries reached 124.73 billion RMB, accounting for 39.6% of our province's total agricultural trade. In terms of energy products, our province continues to strengthen energy cooperation with Middle Eastern and Central Asian partner countries, as well as Russia. The scale of energy product imports from partner countries reached 355.69 billion RMB, increasing its share of the province's total energy imports to 94.4%.Zhang Yibing stated that it has been ten years since the "Belt and Road" Initiative was proposed. Over these ten years, the mutually beneficial and win-win situation between our province and partner countries has continued to consolidate. Looking ahead to the next decade, the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" will bring new opportunities and broader development prospects for Shandong Province's high-quality foreign trade development. Next, Qingdao Customs and Jinan Customs will continue to contribute to promoting safe and smooth trade with partner countries and advancing the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" for sustained and long-term development.

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01-23

In 2023, Shandong Province's import and export trade with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative increased by 3.3%.
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