The first China-DRC economic forum, held from September 2 to 4, 2024 in Beijing alongside the 9th China-Africa forum, brought together over 300 Chinese and Congolese companies. One of the major outcomes was the project to create a Chinese economic zone in the DRC, according to the Congolese Minister of Foreign Trade, Julien Paluku.

The aim of this project, still in the planning stages, is to reduce imports by promoting local production to meet national and regional market needs. It is part of a strategy to boost the DRC's industrialization, strengthen local supply chains, and create new investment and employment opportunities.

During the discussions, the parties agreed to focus on developing joint investment projects in the DRC and modernizing the agricultural sector to reduce food imports. This will involve introducing applied research and new technologies for seed production to improve food sovereignty and develop a more productive agricultural sector.

An economic partnership framework agreement was signed between Chinese Trade Minister Wang Wentao and Congolese Trade Minister Julien Paluku. Minister Paluku described it as "a key step in deepening bilateral economic relations" and said other memorandums of understanding would be signed in various sectors, including transport, electricity, agriculture, digital, infrastructure, and hydrocarbons.

A separate memorandum of understanding was signed on September 4 between the Chinese company CMOC and the Congolese Ministry of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity. This agreement provides for the installation of photovoltaic power plants and solar parks with a total capacity of 600 MW within two years.

During the China-Africa 2024 forum, which ends on September 6, Beijing announced a $50 billion investment in Africa over three years to stimulate economic development and create jobs.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou