Wu proposes closer ties with Africa
By Sun Shangwu (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-11-05 22:26

China's top legislator Wu Bangguo made five proposals Friday to bolster China's relations with African countries.

The proposals Wu put forward in his speech at the Zambian National Assembly was seen as a sign of the strong willingness of China's new leadership to consolidate the country's partnership with Africa.

The first proposal put forth by the chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and increase political mutual trust.

Second, the two sides should expand economic and trade links.

He described the economies of China and African countries as "strongly complementary." Africa has rich natural and human resources, while China has applied technology and development experience.

"The Chinese Government will actively facilitate practical co-operation between enterprises," said Wu.

As China's top legislator, Wu devoted the third proposal to strengthening exchanges between parliaments of the two sides.

"Fourth, to deepen exchanges in the cultural field," said Wu, adding that culture is the social foundation of the China-Africa friendship.

And fifth, Wu said, the two sides should work more closely together on international affairs.

"As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China, as always, will continue to support reasonable positions and demands of the vast number of developing countries, African ones included, and facilitate solidarity and co-operation between developing countries."

Wu's proposals once again highlighted China's African policy, showing the increasing strategic status of Africa.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Vice-President Zeng Qinghong have visited Africa separately since the end of last year.

China has heightened its efforts to work with Africa, particularly developing human resources.. Some 120 workshops are planned this year to train 3,000 people, said Wu.

At the same time, trade between the continent and the world's most populous nation is becoming easier.

"Things have been proceeding smoothly regarding tariff exemption for some commodities that China imports from least-developed African countries. The exemptions are expected to take effect early next year."

Ties with Zambia

Wu also met yesterday with top officials of Zambia, including President Levy Mwanawasa, Vice-President Lupando Mwape and Speaker of the House Amusaa Mwanamwambwa.

Officials promised to consolidate the political basis of already strong bilateral ties.

They also touched upon the question of Taiwan, and Zambian officials expressed their firm support for the Chinese Government stance.

Wu, advocates closer economic and trade ties between China and African countries.

He will visit a local copper mine in Copperbelt Province on Saturday.

A Chinese company has set up a joint venture to run the mine.

The two countries set up diplomatic ties 40 years ago, five days after Zambia's founding.

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