To advance high-quality participation in the Belt and Road Initiative and actively contribute to the China-Africa in-depth economic and trade cooperation pilot zone, Cai Dianwei, Chairman of HCIG, led a delegation to Benin from March 2 to 4 to conduct a series of business engagements, oversee ongoing projects, and visit frontline staff. Liu Yiqi, Deputy General Manager of HCIG, accompanied the delegation.

On the afternoon of March 2 (local time), Cai and his delegation visited the Chinese Embassy in Benin and held talks with Ambassador Zhang Wei. Ambassador Zhang welcomed the delegation and spoke highly of HCIG’s achievements in infrastructure development in Benin. He noted that, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China–Benin relations have maintained strong momentum. With a steadily improving business environment, Benin ranks among the leading countries in Africa in terms of urban infrastructure and public services. He encouraged HCIG to leverage its comprehensive strengths, seize opportunities arising from Benin’s industrial transformation, and expand cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and trade. He also emphasized the importance of solid preparatory work, prudent project execution, and active fulfillment of social responsibilities, with a view to delivering more benchmark China–Benin cooperation projects. The Embassy will continue to provide support and assistance for HCIG’s development in Benin.

Cai Dianwei expressed sincere appreciation for the Embassy’s continued guidance and support, and introduced HCIG’s international business development and its operations in Benin. He noted that, as a major state-owned enterprise and the largest foreign economic cooperation enterprise of Hunan Province, HCIG has been deeply engaged in Belt and Road cooperation and actively contributes to the China-Africa economic and trade cooperation pilot zone. The Group is continuously exploring an integrated development model that combines engineering construction with trade and industrial cooperation. With a solid foundation and broad prospects for China–Benin cooperation, HCIG remains confident in further expanding its presence in the Beninese market. Under the guidance and support of the Embassy, the Group will continue to align with local development priorities, advance more practical cooperation projects, and contribute to strengthening China–Africa and China–Benin relations.

On the morning of March 3 (local time), Cai and his delegation met with Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, Minister of Industry and Trade of Benin, for in-depth discussions. Both sides exchanged views on cooperation potential in infrastructure development, industry, and the integration of industry and trade.

On the afternoon of March 3, the delegation conducted on-site supervision and inspection of the Phase II municipal project LOT3B-B/LOT4B in Benin. They reviewed construction progress, safety, and quality management, and provided guidance on next steps. 

At a subsequent meeting, Cai highly commended the performance of the Central and West Africa Regional Center in Benin and its project delivery, and on behalf of the Group, extended sincere appreciation and regards to all staff working on the frontlines overseas.

During the visit, the delegation also inspected project construction sites to review construction techniques and quality standards in detail.

Representatives from HCIG’s International Cooperation Department, HNRB, and SHICO participated in the visit.