Since the end of last November, Qingdao's total import and export volume with Africa has reached $3.2 billion, according to the latest data from the local authorities.

Nearly 2,000 local enterprises have built commercial ties with African countries with assistance from the Qingdao Sino-Africa Business Council (QSABC), a local non-governmental organization. These companies include major state-owned enterprises, such as Haier Group and Hisense, as well as small and medium-sized private enterprises.

Following Hubei province, Hengshui of Hebei province, Hong Kong and Macao, QSABC is the fifth non-governmental corporation established to build links between African and China businesses. Recently, China has become more economically close to Africa than ever before.

Established in July 2010, QSABC is a joint project sponsored by the United Front Work Department of the CPC Qingdao Committee and the Qingdao General Chamber of Commerce.

"Qingdao's enterprises may run into problems beyond their scope of knowledge when trying to independently conduct trade and investment with African countries. A platform like QSABC is necessary to help the enterprises communicate and carry out effective international trades with African friends," said Zang Aimin, head of United Front Work Department of the CPC Qingdao Committee.

Acting as the government's assistant, QSABC has organized activities to combat the predictable problems for enterprises on both sides.

"Like a timely rain, QSABC have solved many tricky problems for our enterprises investing in Africa," said Wang Jichun, head of QSABC.

The council has brought many benefits to the enterprises and has also shown strong vitality and energy since its establishment.

"We really hope that QSABC can provide better services for the overseas businesses of local enterprises," said Wang.

QSABC has sent 16 delegations to visit more than 20 African countries to investigate business and enhance the cooperation of both sides in the areas of tourism, industry, and culture.

QSABC also helped promote 13 cooperation programs, with contracts valued at 600 million yuan ($94.8 million).

The council invited African friends to visit Qingdao and experience the great changes in the beautiful coastal city. This would strengthen their confidence to cooperate with Qingdao.

Many African friends, including Togbe Afede XIV, president of Asogli State Council in Ghana, David Olokodana, high chief of Lgbein Land, Ogun State in Nigeria, and the Congo student delegation were welcomed by QSABC.

QSABC also built cooperation with 12 social and commerce associations, including the Association of Fellow Provincials in South Africa, Madagascar Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and the India Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

According to resources, QSABC plans to set up branch organizations in Ghana, South Africa and Angola. This information was well received by Chinese investors.

Six themed activities such as a "Seminar on Investment Promotion in Africa", and a "Symposium on Investing Opportunities and Rights Protecting Services" were held for small and medium-size companies to better understand business ventures in Africa.

"We are devoted to creating an environment that facilitates Sino-Africa economic links with a focus on trade and investment," said Wang.

Chen Song, the local company's head, is thankful for the support and help by QSABC: "Last year, when I discussed with QSABC the prospect of building the Qingdao Industrial Park in Angola, they helped me contact the Sino-Africa Chamber of Commerce and China-Africa Development Fund to promote the program. I was really grateful for the assistance they provided."

Another company owner, Huang Ping said, "On average, every Angolan has two pairs of shoes produced by our brand, and more than 70 percent of our company's electric generator market share is in Angol."

By Wang Xinyan and Xie Chuanjiao (chinadaily.com.cn)

Edited by Chen Zhilin and Rakhee