By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-02-01 07:06

Twice in the past three years, President Hu Jintao has been warmly welcomed in Africa as the leader of a friendly country from afar.

And it will certainly be no different on Hu's eight-nation trip to the continent which started yesterday he will receive another warm and spectacular reception, especially with his focus on further boosting trade and following through on aid promises.

The remarks were made by Benjamin W. Mkapa, former president of Tanzania and now the chairman of the South Center, a Geneva-based intergovernmental organization of developing countries.

"China has established an indisputable record of matching promises with action and fulfilling obligations efficiently and in time," Mkapa told China Daily during a visit to Beijing.

The chairman was pleased with Beijing's generosity during the China-Africa summit last November and urged African nations to squarely face up to the challenges posed by China's pledges and prepare the ground for a successful partnership.

"We must not let our Chinese friends down as the pledges consist of great sacrifices to China, a country also engaged in the fight against poverty," Mkapa said.

During the summit that drew leaders from more than 40 African nations, China made substantial commitments to development programs which involve reducing debts, cutting tariffs, strengthening personnel training and increasing investment.

Mkapa said relations between China and Africa are healthy and robust because they are built and growing on a strong foundation of equality and mutual benefit.

Responding to criticism from Western countries of the Sino-Africa relationship, Mkapa said Africa wants to engage with the entire world.

"Africa wants to meet and trade with the rest of the world in fairness and equality, to be equal partners in the promotion of international co-operation and development for friendship, prosperity and peace."

He also rebutted the fallacy that China's involvement with Africa is only to access natural resources.

"In fact, economic relations are far more encompassing," said the chairman, noting the China-Africa strategic partnership features a wide range of economic and financial collaboration covering such areas as telecommunications, human resource training, tourism, banking and building of infrastructure.

He said China is helping the continent diversify its economies from dependence on natural resources to building a mutually favorable trade and investment regime.

He said he hopes other developing countries including India and Brazil follow Beijing's footsteps to facilitate such South-South co-operation and offer Africa an opportunity to integrate with the global economy.

Mkapa is currently in China for a scheduled board meeting of the South Center, which is being held for the first time in the country.

(China Daily 02/01/2007 page2)