From September 4 to 24, 2015, the Seminar on Economic Diplomacy for African Countries was held in UIBE. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce and hosted by UIBE, the seminar was a 21-day national foreign assistance training project. In total 36 African diplomatic officials from 12 countries including Ethiopia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, South Sudan, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya participated in this seminar.

The opening ceremony of the seminar was held on September 4. Zhao Zhongxiu, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, introduced the history, the development of the various disciplines taught at UIBE, and the international characteristics of UIBE, and spoke highly about the relationship and prospects of cooperation between China and African countries.

The Further Education College integrated the resources of the university and businesses in Beijing and other provinces by carefully organizing various activities with the theme of "Economic Diplomacy". The group visited the Beijing Hyundai Motor Company, Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall, the History Museum of UIBE, the Beijing Shichahai Sports School, as well as Chunlun Tea Group and Digital Life Exhibition Hall in Fujian province, which deepened the diplomats' understanding of Chinese politics, economics, history, and culture.

The closing ceremony of the Seminar on Economic Diplomacy for African Countries was held on September 24. The attendees were Liu Ya, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of UIBE; Xu Kai, the Section Chief of the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM); Zeng Gang, the Director of Further Education College; and Xia Haiquan, the Secretary of the CPC Branch and other leaders.

On the behalf of UIBE, Liu Ya conveyed his congratulations for the 21-day seminar and gave his thanks for the support and cooperation of officials. He said that experienced international challenges and history, the deep friendship and beneficial cooperation between China and Africa is an excellent model of the relationship among developing countries, which will be further reinforced in the future. At this seminar, the officials had the opportunity to discuss and research with the themes of political and diplomatic relations, economic and trade relations, international cooperation, China's trade development and diplomacy among other topics. The development of these fields has significant impacts on the economy and diplomacy of African counties. We hope all of the African officials could forge a friendship bridge between China and Africa through their own advantages, and introduce the experience in China to their nations, so they could get to know China and its friendly people. We also wish all of the officials a promising future and thriving career for their countries and themselves.

On behalf of the Ministry of Commerce, Xu Kai conveyed his sincere congratulations and thanks for the officials' achievements and cooperation, as well as the organization of UIBE at the 21-day seminar.

Representing the officials, Mr Manhan from Cote d'Ivoire, and Ms Simon from South Sudan delivered speeches. Mr Manhan pointed it out that economic diplomacy is the important aim in many countries' policies. This seminar has provided inspiration for the African countries' practice of economic diplomacy. Ms Simon offered her deep gratitude to the Department of Commerce and UIBE, and paid high compliments to the working team's organization. Both of them said they were fully willing to promote the cooperation between China and their countries in diplomacy, economics, commerce and other fields .

At the end of the ceremony, Liu Ya issued the students certificates while Xu Kai, the Section Chief of the AIBO and MOFCOM issued the certifications from the Ministry of Commerce.