Don't Miss


Home   >   Market - Finance   >   Finance   >   Standard Chartered to foster Africa-China trade at forum

Standard Chartered to foster Africa-China trade at forum

By on July 20, 2012

TO foster trade and investments between Africa and China, Standard Chartered Bank has concluded plans to expand this frontier through its yearly Africa chairmen’s conference.

The conference, which is scheduled to hold in Beijing this year, is in line with the bank’s commitment to use its unique global footprint to support, promote and grow economically enhancing trade and investment corridors between the two regions.

According to the bank, while in China, Standard Chartered will provide the Africa chairmen with insight into China’s strides in economic development, the bank’s Chinese expansion strategy, as well as, facilitate strategic introductions with relevant and influential government, industry and private sector leaders across China.

The bank’s Africa delegation is also expected to participate in China’s ‘4th Conference of African and Chinese Entrepreneurs’ during the ‘Forum on China-Africa Co-operation’ (FOCAC) in Beijing.

The bank’s Chief Executive Officer for Africa, Diana Layfield said, “Africa-China trade has risen tenfold in less than a decade.  Looking forward, Africa will have 1.1 billion people of working age by 2040 – expected to be the largest working population world-wide, and representing a very attractive consumer base for expanding companies to tap into for the future.

“Standard Chartered has the history, the presence and the expertise to make a tangible difference in supporting this rapidly increasing channel of economic growth.  Our decision to host our Africa chairmen in China this year is simply another unique way we are using our presence and capabilities to create lasting relationships which stand to deliver economic benefit well into the future.”

Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Standard Chartered, China, Lim Cheng Teck added, “the trade and investment linkages between China and Africa are significant. Standard Chartered has a very established presence in these markets and we are well positioned to serve clients and customers that trade and invest between these markets.  We are delighted to host the African Chairmen in China – yet another demonstration of the importance we place on the linkages between China and Africa.”