The African Union should:

1. Work with China to establish African trade export targets that can help serve as a benchmark to track progress.

2. Follow-up the November Import-Export Expo in Shanghai by hosting conventions with Chinese importer and food manufacturer associations for information sessions on how to import from Africa, and highlight key products and agricultural produce per regional hub.(https://www.daowen.com)

3. Commission public handbooks to support various actors:Mandarin handbooks on best practices on importing from Africa, and English/French handbooks to support African exporters on navigating China’s customs processes and key channels for distribution.

4. Secure funding and drive a re-branding Africa campaign in China to help improve the perception of Africa and made-in-Africa products. Inspiration can be drawn from the successful marketing campaign of Chile, which now exports cherries to China as a luxury food product and earns significant foreign exchange earnings.