afrol News, 13 January - China has made a recommitment to forge ahead with the memorandum of understanding for the development of Africa under the new partnership agreed last year.

Chinese minister of Commerce, Chen Deming has said his country will immediately implement the "eight new measures" to strengthen China-Africa cooperation in the next three years, agreed at the fourth ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation which was held in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh in November last year.

Speaking during the talks with the African Union (AU) deputy chairperson yesterday, Mr Chen said last year’s meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation has opened a new page for development.

He reminded that after the new measures, China will focus on improving African people's well-being, strengthening agriculture and infrastructure and expanding cooperation in human resources development.

The eight point measures also include support for Africa to increase its capacity for independent development, and in tackling challenges such as the global financial crisis and climate change, in a bid to promote China-Africa friendly cooperation and Africa's economic and social development, Mr Chen said.

Mr Chen further pledged continued support to Africa’s efforts and processes of integration.

Also speaking during the AU’s Commission deputy chair, Erastus Mwencha, noted the respect and mutual understanding between China and Africa in the partnership, saying it was one based on equal footing.

Mr Mwencha further said the Sharm el-Sheikh declaration will further promote the development of cooperation between Africa and China, saying that the eight new measures agreed were a true reflection of Africa's practical needs.

Mr Mwencha also said the AU Commission was ready and willing for the implementation of the eight new measures as well as to continue to enhance dialogue between Africa and China.

The Chinese Commerce minister is on a working visit to the AU head-quarters. His visit to the continent will also take him to Mozambique and Tanzania.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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