School of Chinese Business, The University of Hong Kong

“Belt and Road” National Study Tour Record

  Above: Cape Town, South Africa - Cape of Good Hope

Kong University Business School's China Business Institute embarked on a remarkable African study journey. From April 25 to May 7, 2025, this intensive 13-day program spanned eight flights across five countries, serving as a bridge of knowledge between China and the world while showcasing the academic excellence of the Hong Kong University Business School. Acting as ambassadors for China's Belt and Road Initiative, the delegation carried forward the vision of international exchange and mutually beneficial cooperation. Professor Lau Ning-wing delivered continuous academic instruction throughout the journey, imparting cutting-edge global perspectives on economic and trade relations, cross-cultural experiences, and strategic insights into China's domestic development and global footprint. His lectures also provided profound interpretations of the Belt and Road Initiative, guiding participants to transcend geographical and intellectual boundaries while expanding their global vision. This immersive program effectively combined academic rigor with cultural immersion, empowering scholars to grasp the opportunities and challenges of China's international development strategies from multidimensional perspectives.

  Above: Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town, South Africa

Upon arriving in Pretoria, the first stop of the National Study Tour, the delegation received a warm reception from Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu and Minister Zheng. Their cordial greetings and in-depth exchanges allowed the participants to deeply feel the great importance attached by our country's diplomatic envoys abroad to the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as the profound friendship between China and South Africa in various fields such as politics, economy, and culture. In Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, the welcome banquet hosted by Ambassador Zhao became a heartwarming epitome of Sino-Namibian friendship. Namibia's unique natural scenery and abundant resources, coupled with its open attitude towards Chinese enterprises, filled the participants with anticipation for this country.

Above picture: Farewell dinner study tour experience sharing (Chairman Chen Zilan/student representative)

In Cape Town, the National Study Tour engaged in in-depth exchanges with Consul General You. As an important engine of Africa's economy, South Africa boasts a mature financial system, well-developed infrastructure, and a vast consumer market, making it a crucial strategic partner for Chinese enterprises' "going global" initiatives. However, while opportunities and challenges coexist, factors such as cultural differences, policy regulations, and legal frameworks require enterprises to proactively prepare and establish robust risk management mechanisms to navigate the complexities of international operations.

Left: Consul General of China in Cape Town - You Wenze Right: Chairman of Shanghai Faquan Industrial Co., Ltd. - Chen Zilan 

Left: Deputy Consul General of China in Cape Town - Tang Changan  

Chairman Chen Zilan, as a corporate representative, asks Consul You questions

The National Study Tour also focused on visiting two major enterprises: Hisense South Africa and State Power.
At Hisense South Africa, the delegation witnessed how Chinese enterprises have establisheda firm foothold in the local market with advanced technology and management expertise. The Hisense South Africa factory not only creates numerous local jobs but also enhances employee cohesion and stability through localized management, serving as a model of China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. State Power, on the other hand, showcased Africa's immense potential in the energy sector, highlighting the vast cooperation opportunities between Chinese enterprises and local partners in new energy development, power grid construction, and beyond.

  Above: Factory visit (Chen Zilan)

Chairman Chen's Musings on the Study Tour: Reflections and Insights from the Journey

From "Manufacturing" to "Quality Creation"; From "Going It Alone" to "Dancing Together"; From "Commerce" to "Common Prosperity"!

This study tour not only allowed us to appreciate Africa's unique culture and customs but also provided a deep understanding of the economic development trends in African markets, as well as the opportunities and challenges for "overseas Chinese" investments. It has broken the common "involution" mindset prevalent in the domestic business environment. In the wave of globalization, following the national pace to go global, actively embracing the international market, leveraging the tenacious spirit and manufacturing strengths of Chinese enterprises, and relying on excellent quality and innovative concepts, we can reshape new opportunities and explore new paths. "China Quality" is not only a guarantee of product excellence but also a representation of Chinese cultural dissemination and a testament to the confidence and identity of Chinese enterprises in the global market. Through exchanges and learning with visited enterprises, Shanghai Faquan Industrial Co., Ltd. will further enhance its soft power, promote industrial upgrading, reject involution, and look outward!

South Africa landscape photo collection