African diplomats and representatives in Shanghai visited the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, the city's legislative body, on April 28 to better understand China's people's congress system and its whole-process people's democracy.

The visit, attended by officials from African consulates general in Shanghai as well as faculty members and students from Shanghai International Studies University, comes as 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries — a year designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Chen Jing, deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress and president of the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, briefed the delegation on the work of the legislative body and related activities under the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He said that the eighth "Shanghai Get-Together" Writing Contest, held in 2026 as a joint effort by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, and the Shanghai Library, has introduced a special award dedicated to the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, encouraging broader cultural engagement.

At the conference hall, Chen additionally held discussions with African students, who raised questions on governance practices and public participation.

During the visit, the delegation also toured Jing'an Global Connect, where they explored facilities such as a 24-hour self-service area and a one-stop talent service center.

Sidney To, acting head of the Consulate General of Seychelles in Shanghai, said the visit provided a platform for mutual learning and praised the convenience of the one-stop services at Jing'an Global Connect for expatriates.

He added that the expanded zero-tariff policy for imports from African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, set to take effect on May 1, is expected to further boost trade ties, and expressed confidence that trade between China and African countries will become more active in the future.

The event was jointly organized by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress, the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, and the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries.