Changsha, China – Thirty Liberian journalists are benefiting from a two-week intensive media communication seminar in Changsha, China. The training sponsored by Chinese ministry of commerce, is organize by the Human International Business Vocational College. The participating media professionals were chosen by the Chinese Embassy in Liberia.
The training aims to build the professional capacity of Liberian media practitioners through academic sessions, site visits, and cultural exchange. As part of the program, the journalists will tour several leading Chinese media institutions including Hunan Daily, Changsha Daily, and the Straits Herald in Xiamen City. The visit will also feature cultural immersion activities designed to deepen participants’ understanding of Hunan’s rich heritage and China’s modern development.
Speaking at the opening session of the training, Liberia Qi, Second-Level Researcher (Deputy Division Level) of the E-Commerce Division, Department of Commerce of Hunan Province said, China, as the world’s largest developing country, regards strengthening solidarity and cooperation with other developing countries as an unswerving strategic choice of the Chinese government.
“We have always stood with developing countries through thick and thin, assisting in improving people’s livelihoods and developing economies within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and South-South cooperation, contributing to World peace and development.”
He said, since it inception, the Belt and Road Initiative has become a vital bond connecting tge worl,yielding fruitful outcomes in enhancing global connectivity and fostering mutal learning among civilizations. “As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “if you want to gofast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Qi added that the joint pursuit of the Belt and Road Initiative does not only along with the evolving landscape of global information , but also answers the call of present times to strengthen intercultural dialogue, deeper understanding and greater mutual trust among nations.
He maintained that the media serves as a bridge for cross-culture communication and and a pivotal force in advancing international cooperation while bridging cognitive divides.
The second-level researcher continued that by facilitating mutual learning and the convergence of ideas, the aim is to inject enduring vitality into enhancing the international communication capabilities of Liberian media and deepening dialogue between China, Liberia and other African nations with the world.
Hunan, the host province of the seminar is an important central province in China and ii is known as the “land of fish and rice” and the home town of Chairman Mao Zedong. Changsha capital is a historic and cultural city where landmarks like Yuelu Mountain and Orange Island embody the profound heritage of Hunan culture while showcasing the vibrant energy of a modern metropolis.
“We hope that all participants will cherish this training opportunity, actively engage in discussions and visit, integrate Chinese experience with your national practices and explore a media capacity-building pathway suited to your own context. Meanwhile, we expect you to gain a comprehensive understanding of China’s social development and media ecosystem through cultural activities and become ambassadors for promoting media exchanges and cooperation and deepening the friendship between our two nations.”
Also speaking, Hunan International Business Vocational College vice President, Peng Tieguage said, China’s
foreign aid training programs have become a vital window for sharing development experience and mutual learning with other developing countries, as well as a crucial bridge for enhancing friendship and practical cooperation.
Throughout this process, China have unreservedly shared development experience, adaptable technologies, and practical solutions with countries along the “Belt and
Road”.
As one of the first training bases for international business officials of the Ministry of Commerce, the college started to hold official training programs with the core content of sharing China’s development experiences for the first
time in 2010.
Over the past 15 years, the college have actively practiced the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind. The Vocational College have conducted 498 training programs for officials from developing countries including 23 ministerial-level workshops with a total of 13,334 participants. The contents cover diverse fields such
as anti-corruption governance, public health, energy & mineral resources, film and media, rail transit, and engineering machinery.
Meanwhile, the participate head, Nyantee Genero Samuel Togba appreciated the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia, the Hunan International Business Vocational College and China ministry of Commerce for the opportunity. He noted that it is a remarkable opportunity for participants to explore Chinese culture and be equipped with important information and new age development in China.
Changsha, a city rich in vitality, innovation, and history, has provided an inspiring backdrop to the seminar. As a key center of Culture, the city embodies values of perseverance, integrity, and responsibility values that deeply resonate with the calling of journalism and public communication.
“This cultural heritage, dating back to the Shang and Song Dynasties, enhances participants appreciation of the broader Chinese story and its relevance in shaping modern
development. This seminar is timely and vital, particularly as the media in Liberia faces new challenges and
opportunities. The sessions will introduce us to key aspects of China’s development journey: from its economic reforms and political evolution since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to its remarkable poverty
alleviation efforts, and its strides toward modernization.”
“As we reflect on Liberia’s own ties with China, it’s important to acknowledge the Liberia unwavering commitment to the One China Policy, a stance that has yielded significant benefits. From the construction of the Ministerial Complex that houses more than four ministries and agencies of government, to the University of Liberia that is the home of over 5 thousand students, to the anticipated overpass bridges and other ongoing projects. China’s support has played a key role in Liberia national infrastructure and human capital growth.”
This training is one of China’s ongoing support for capacity building and people-to-people exchanges with Liberia.
