On August 1, CPAFFC and Ministry Attached to the Presidency in Charge of Presidential Projects, Land Management and Equipment of Madagascar jointly hosted “The Belt and Road: Conference on Industrial Cooperation” at Antananarivo, capital of Madagascar. Minister Narson Rafidimanana (of the above-mentioned Ministry), ministers in charge of industry, commerce, public works and water, together with Madame Lin Yi, Vice President of CPAFFC, Mr. Chen Xiaolei, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy and about 100 other officials and entrepreneurs attended the event.

Madame Lin said in her speech that Madagascar possesses advantages and basis for the Belt and Road cooperation.  The comprehensive partnership of cooperation between China and Madagascar has provided a strong guarantee for policy coordination.  Madagascar’s peculiar geographical location and natural environment facilitate connectivity of facilities.  The production potential in Madagascar’s agriculture, manufacturing industry and tourism is conducive to unimpeded trade and financial integration.  Above all, the traditional friendship between Chinese and Malagacy people is a reflection of people-to-people bond.

Minister Narson Rafidimanana said in his speech that Madagascar and China share a long history of friendship.  Madagascar is confident in cooperation with China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.  At the end of 2016, Chinese companies built two roads for the Summit of Francophonie with a breathtaking speed and high quality.  Minister Rafidimanana expressed his hope that Today’s Conference would promote the cross-nation trade between enterprises of Madagascar and China.  He also advised all delegates to implement agreements reached at the Conference through their trade deals.

Representatives of the Economic Development Board of Madagascar and Ministry Attached to the Presidency in Charge of Presidential Projects, Land Management and Equipment of Madagascar made introductions on the investment policies and commercial environment of Madagascar.  Representative of China-Africa Development Fund briefed the Conference on the Belt and Road Initiative and proposed investment suggestions.  Chinese entrepreneurs shared their investment experience in Madagascar.  Madame Lin Yi and Minister Narson Rafidimanana signed the MOU of professional training and personnel exchanges in the next five years to be conducted between CPAFFC and Ministry Attached to the Presidency in Charge of Presidential Projects, Land Management and Equipment of Madagascar.