The African Center for Research and Strategic Studies (ACRESS) took part in the seminar on “Capacity Enhancement in Investment Attraction for BRI Countries” The seminar was held in China from 9 to 29 September 2025 under the auspices of the Ministry of Commerce and was organized by the International Economic Cooperation Center of Fujian Province.

 The event brought together participants from six countries: Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia, Guyana, and Uzbekistan. Over the 21-day program, which focused on the core theme of investment attraction, government officials and leading experts delivered a series of systematic lectures and shared China's development experience in this field in depth.

 At the closing ceremony on 29 September 2025, the Director of the International Economic Cooperation Center (IECC), Mr. Huang An, stated:

"In today’s world, the interconnection and interdependence among nations are deepening. Humanity is increasingly becoming a close-knit community with a shared future. As a significant force on the international stage, China always adheres to the principles of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness."

He added, "We continuously deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and connectivity with other developing countries, striving to ensure that China’s development better benefits people across the globe. Through Chinese modernization, China is committed to promoting a future for the world characterized by peace, security, prosperity, and progress, and to jointly painting a magnificent picture of shared civilization with all nations."

 Furthermore, the seminar organizers arranged a series of diverse visits and exchange activities. These included trips to historic locations such as Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Kunming, and Liangcuo Village, as well as to national companies with a global footprint, such as Fujian Foxit Software Development Co., Ltd.

Reflecting on these visits, the Director of the IECC noted, "We personally experienced the vibrant dynamism of China’s economic and social development, as well as the profound heritage of its five-thousand-year culture." He continued, addressing the participants, "These visits have presented a more authentic, multidimensional, and comprehensive China, enabling a deeper understanding of its history, culture, and social development. You have gained a clearer insight into the practical achievements of China’s reform and opening-up policy. This has also established an excellent platform for us to enhance mutual learning and jointly promote development in the future."

 In her address during the seminar sessions, Dr. Ghada Fouad the Director of African Center for Research and Strategic Studies stated that: the visit to China and the subsequent meetings with Chinese experts served as a pivotal factor in reshaping the perceptions of the participating researchers and experts from Egypt and other nations. This shift was driven by the new information presented on China's advancements and renaissance, as well as the demonstrable openness of its society to other cultures. Consequently, these insights will constitute a critical element in the forthcoming research and studies concerning China's capacity to influence the emerging world order, which is currently undergoing a significant restructuring.

 In his speech at the closing ceremony of the seminar, Dr. Mostafa Salah, the Director of the Shams Center for Strategic Consulting and Research stated that: “this seminar has come at a very important moment in history. The challenges before us are many, particularly in my region, yet the opportunities are equally significant.” Continued “Over these days, we gathered to strengthen cooperation between China and BRI countries. This partnership has become not only a strong pillar of the global economy, but also a vital bridge for deeper ties among the nations of the Global South…. By connecting markets, creating opportunities, and fostering inclusive growth, it demonstrates what true partnership and mutual benefit can achieve.”

The participating delegations included representatives from governmental bodies and the private sector. Of particular note was the composition of the Egyptian delegation, which featured Dr. Ghada Fouad Director of African Center for Research (ACRESS), researchers from the Egyptian Cabinet's Information and Decision Support Center, Dr. Mostafa Salah the Director of the Shams Center for Strategic Consulting and Research, Ms. Ilian Botros the executive Director for African Narratives think tank and Founder of Egypt and Latin America Business Association, and academics from Egyptian universities.