Beijing: Around twenty Burkinabe media and communications executives are taking part in a training seminar taking place from May 8 to 28, 2025 in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, at the initiative of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event is organized by the Directorate for International Economic and Technical Cooperation (CBIC) of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The opening ceremony of the training seminar for 22 Burkinabe media leaders and communication structures in Beijing, China, was marked by the presence of the Director General in charge of audiovisual media of China, Zhou Jihong, and the Deputy Director General of the CBIC, He DongBo.
Speaking at the seminar, officials praised the excellent Sino-Burkinabe cooperation relations, which facilitate the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and good practices in various fields, particularly in the media sector.
Pascale Yembouani Thombiano, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, responded on behalf of the seminarians, highlighting the strengthening of Sino-Burkinabe cooperation relations, supported at the highest level by Chinese Heads of State Xi Jinping and Burkinabe Ibrahim Traor©. This seminar, he noted, illustrates the cooperation that has been consolidated over the years for the benefit of their peoples.
Mr. Thiombiano emphasized the major role of communication in education, awareness, and information, especially given Burkina Faso’s current security and humanitarian challenges. He referenced the creation of the national television channel in 1963, one of the first in post-colonial Africa, as a testament to the importance of television for the country.
“Artificial intelligence is both an opportunity and a threat. People must be educated about this tool in order to distinguish between fact and fiction,” said Mr. Thiombiano, highlighting the seminar as an opportunity for participants to better master this tool.
Additionally, the professional and technical training, along with immersion into Chinese media, tourist sites, and places of remembrance, will enhance participants’ understanding of China and potentially foster partnerships with their Chinese counterparts.