Seminar held in France to boost China-Africa trade co-op

Growth and investments were key topics of discussion during a seminar held to promote China-Africa trade and economic cooperation.

Over 100 experts, scholars, businesspersons and officials from France, China and Africa on Friday attended the seminar with the theme of "Africa's view on China."

The participants discussed ways to boost trade and economic ties between China, the world's largest developing country, and the African continent.

Leonce Nikumana, director of the African Development Bank's development and research department, said Africa should change its objective from poverty elimination to economic growth.

"China brings investment to Africa, and has successful experience in developing economy, so China-Africa cooperation is mutually beneficial," Nikumana said.

Cheng Tao, vice chairman of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, has a lot of knowledge about Africa. Cheng worked in Africa for 16 years and has been to over 40 African countries.

He said Africa is abundant in natural and labor resources, while China has the advantages of funds and technology. Bilateral cooperation, Cheng said, would yield win-win results.

China has helped Africa implement over 900 projects, including railways, roads, bridges, and hospitals over the past 50 years, Cheng said. He said China also has forgiven 312 debts worth 20 billion yuan (4.4 billion U.S. dollars) from Africa.

The seminar was sponsored by the Prospective and Innovation Foundation.

Jean-Pierre Raffarin, the foundation's president and a former French prime minister, said China joined Africa's development as early as 50 years ago.

Raffarin said China, with its fast economic growth, can positively participate in the continent's development.

Source: Xinhua