Let’s Focus on Africa-For 2009 Touchroad Africa Forum

Despite the global financial crisis, we have gathered again at the 2009 Touchroad China-Africa Investment Forum. It was a challenge to organize this forum. I worried about how many enterprises would be willing to invest in Africa given the serious global financial crunch. The pandemic H1N1 worsened the world economy and forced me to postpone the forum twice. The two crises made me worry about how many countries and companies would send representatives to the forum.

But I didn't want to undermine my African friends' confidence in me due to the above reasons, since I promised them that the Touchroad China-Africa Invest Forum would be held annually.

Fortunately, my invitations received enthusiastic responses from all parties. Hundreds of representatives of governments, international institutions, media and enterprises from more than 40 countries, as well as scholars from all countries, were present at the forum. They gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities in investing in Africa under the present circumstances. When I saw that letters of intent for 50-odd projects were completed during the forum, I was more convinced that, though the crises had crippled the economy, it never destroyed our confidence. Instead, we can envision a brighter future.

It has been 10 years since Touchroad first established itself in Africa. I have a deep affection for the African people and the continent. Here we see the convergence between the primitive and the modern as well as the coexistence of prosperity and poverty. I am truly touched by the African desire to pursue peace, development and a prosperous life. Africa needs more attention, understanding, and support from the world. The region needs not only trade, but also development of local manufacturing, modernization of industries and diversification of the economy. African resources should be efficiently used to promote the African economy and improve living standards.

Touchroad has been giving special attention to Africa and is willing to share the commercial opportunities with more companies, with a view to propel the development of the African economy. After the 2008 Touchroad China-Africa Investment Forum, we have assisted about 100 Chinese companies to visit more than 18 African countries for business and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, we have also volunteered to host more than 130 government officials and entrepreneurs from more than 10 African countries visiting China to do business in the country.

Everyone in the world is entitled to pursue a better life no matter where they live. Our world needs more understanding and tolerance. I believe we will live in a better world if we can: shelve our disputes over politics and cease the battle for power; ignore the personal gains and losses of politicians; overcome our prejudice against differences between social systems; dedicate ourselves to international cooperation; elevate the working efficiency of governmental authorities; develop regional economy; and share the fruits of industrial civilization with all people in the world.

Let's focus on Africa!

He Liehui

President and Chairman of Touchroad International Holdings Group

Chairman of Touchroad China-Africa Invest Forum