Connection, Trust, and a Shared Future: Three Oceans Forum Forges New Links Across Africa, the Caribbean, and China
On December 6, the Three Oceans Forum (TOEC) convened over 30 countries’ representatives from China, Africa, and the Caribbean at the International Innovation Center in Beijing’s Daxing Free Trade Zone. The forum focused on practical cooperation, cross-border trust-building, and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
At the heart of the discussion was a simple truth:
“Every business begins with friendship.”
As stated by Mr. Zhang, Chair of the Belt & Road Committee, his eight-year friendship with a Beninese entrepreneur led to deeper institutional understanding and real trade partnerships.
The Three Oceans Forum sees long-term dialogue and personal trust as the foundation for sustainable cooperation across regions.
Youth: The Future Partners of the Ecosystem
The forum also highlighted the challenges faced by international students and young entrepreneurs in China. Many young people have great ideas but lack the channels to access policy, finance, and partnerships. They are often isolated — attending class, eating, and sleeping — with no access to relevant information.
The Three Oceans Forum is committed to closing the information gap and building access points for youth to enter real global systems — not just as observers, but as participants.
The Forum will continue to focus on five strategic pillars:
1. Build authentic, trust-based cross-border relationships
2. Empower youth through entrepreneurship and community support
3. Support inclusive cooperation between small and large nations
4. Create standardized and transparent project finance pathways
5. Operate as a platform for South–South coordination, not just dialogue
This year’s forum also witnessed foreign enterprise signings into the Daxing BDIA Zone — a strong signal that the vision of cross-ocean collaboration is becoming reality.
The future of South–South cooperation will not be shaped by institutions alone —
it will be shaped by the people who choose to connect, build, and trust.