KHARTOUM - China will continue to enhance economic and commercial cooperation with Sudan and encourage Chinese companies to intensify cooperation with their Sudanese counterparts, a Chinese official said here on Wednesday.

"China and Sudan have achieved positive results in economic and commercial cooperation. The Chinese government will continue to encourage the commercial and economic exchange between the two countries," Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Jiang Yaoping said during his visit to the African country, where he met with Sudanese leaders and officials.

"The Chinese government will support Chinese companies to cooperate with the Sudanese companies in energy, agriculture, mine industry, infrastructure and other important fields," Jiang said.

Jiang also noted that China would provide assistance within its power to Sudan to help the African country enhance economic and industrial development.

Jiang met Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and First Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha during his visit to the country. He also held talks with a number of Sudanese ministers.

Meanwhile, the Chinese vice minister signed a number of agreements with the Sudanese finance minister on China's offer of fresh economic assistance to Sudan.

Over the past years, the cooperation between Sudan and China has achieved remarkable progress. China has become Sudan's largest trade partner and an important partner in investment and construction.