Editor’s Note:
As the seasons change and a new year unfolds, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges is poised to enter a new phase. Looking back at 2024, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, particularly Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, Beijing’s people-to-people diplomatic endeavors remained closely aligned with the overarching goals of serving China’s overall diplomacy, strengthening people-to-people ties between China and foreign nations, and supporting Beijing’s development as the national capital in the new era. With an optimized work pattern that ensures higher efficiency, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges has made significant progress, yielding notable highlights.
In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges achieved significant outcomes through more proactive and effective measures in serving the overall diplomatic endeavors of the Party and the country.
In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges produced highlights by building stronger synergy for strengthening people-to-people bonds under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
In 2024, Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges contributed to the capital’s high-quality development, with steady progress and breakthroughs in foreign exchanges across key areas.
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the highlights of Beijing’s people-to-people international exchanges in 2024.
Promoting People-to-People Connectivity under the BRI (Part II)
Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations. Thanks to the efforts of non-governmental entities in Beijing, including people’s organizations, social organizations, universities and enterprises, the year 2024 witnessed a multitude of positive outcomes in strengthening people-to-people connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and enhancing cooperation for people’s well-being, thereby winning widespread public support for friendship between China and foreign countries.
Promoting Industrial Development and Local Employment for People’s Stronger Sense of Gain
An expert from Beijing Vocational College of Agriculture (BVCA) lectures on edible fungus cultivation
Responding to the call of the BRI, BVCA launched agricultural technology training programs targeting African countries, establishing its training brand “Sophisticated Silk Road Farmers”. Since 2019, BVCA has started the training of edible fungus cultivation technologies in collaboration with the Beijing Agronomy Society and the Falcon Association, which has been well-received in Mauritius.
An expert from BVCA assists a Mauritian farmer in building a hydroponic tower
BVCA expanded its training program to the field of hydroponics at the request of the Mauritian side in 2024. Despite challenges such as language barriers and resource shortages, experts made simple farming and teaching tools out of local materials, and taught modern and complex agricultural technologies to their students in a clear and accessible manner. Their efforts helped invigorate the agricultural development in Mauritius and were highly praised by local people.
Phoenix Park Industrial Estate built by Beijing Construction Engineering Group (BCEG) officially opens
Designed and built by BCEG, the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate in Trinidad and Tobago officially opened in 2024. It is a flagship BRI cooperation project between China and Trinidad and Tobago, and also the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Covering an area of about 580,000 square meters, the industrial estate has five standard factories equipped with communication, electricity and water supply systems, and the most advanced 5G network in the Caribbean. This project will provide new momentum for the country’s economic diversification in the future, contributing to the growth of non-energy sectors and job creation.
A Kenyan garment factory built under the support of Beijing Crafts Council (BCC)
BCC provided strong support to the construction of garment and leather industrial parks in Kenya, where 10 Chinese companies are currently operating, creating 3,000 jobs for local communities. BCC also facilitated professional training programs for garment workers at the Confucius Institute at Moi University, covering various fields such as garment manufacturing and Chinese language and culture. The first batch of workers completed training in July 2024.
