On May 23-26, 2018, the 5th Pécs African Studies Conference was held at the University of Pécs, Hungary. As one of the co-organizers of the conference, the director of the Center for West African Studies of UESTC, Professor Zhao, attended the conference. This conference focuses on Africa’s potential, status and role in international politics and communication in the 21st century. More than 70 representatives from more than 30 universities and research institutes around the world participated in this conference to discuss the hot issues and challenges facing African studies.

Over the conference, Professor Zhao delivered a keynote speech titled: Risks and Countermeasures of Sichuan Enterprises’ International Industrial Capacity Cooperation with Africa: Ghana Case. The background of Sichuan enterprises entering Africa was first analyzed, China's “Belt and Road” Initiative and Africa's “2063” plan were then introduced, and atthe national level, and at last the key areas, key projects and strategies of international capacity cooperation between China and Africa were illlustrated. 

After the conference, Prof. Zhao on behalf of the Center for West African Studies of UESTC gave a publicity introduction to the center and the School of Public Affairs and Administration of UESTC. Also she warmly welcomed the experts and scholars to attend the 2018 International Conference on Public Administration and the 2nd West Africa International Forum in UESTC.