On January 14, 2006, Sukala S.A., a joint China-Mali venture, held activities to celebrate its 10th anniversary in Bamako, which was attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, Malian Prime Minister Maiga, Malian Foreign Minister, Minister of Industry and Trade and Minister of State Property.

Zhao Haijian, President of China Light Industrial Corporation for Foreign Economic and Technical Co-operation (CLETC) delivered a speech on behalf of the Chinese shareholders, saying that since its founding 10 years ago, Sukala S.A. has achieved remarkable economic and social returns with the support of the Chinese and Malian governments and under the hard work of all employees. It has made a tax payment of 17 billion CFA francs on an accumulative basis and provided nearly 10,000 jobs, which have greatly promoted the development of local societies. It is a fruit of China-Mali friendship and cooperation.

Choguel Kokala Maiga, Minister of Industry of Trade of Mali, delivered a speech on behalf of Malian Prime Minister Ousmane Issoufi Maiga, expressing welcome to Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing for attending the celebration. Choguel sang high praise for the achievements made by Sukala S.A. over the past decade, thanked the Chinese government for the support in preferential loans, and hoped that Sukala S.A. could strengthen its competitiveness. He indicated that the Malian government will continue as always to support the development of Sukala S.A.

Present at the celebration were Wei Wenhua, Chinese Ambassador to Mali, Xu Jinghu, Director General of the Department of African Affairs, Qin Gang, Deputy Director General of the Information Department, Zhang Kunsheng, Counselor of the General Office, and other officials.