BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday pledged to push forward the economic and trade relations between China and Africa to a new level.

Wen made the remarks during a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Fourth Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs.

The friendly cooperation between China and Africa has not only yielded rich fruit, but also enhanced our friendship and mutual trust, which is more precious than gold, said Wen.

"History has shown time and again that China and Africa are forever good friends, good partners and good brothers," the premier said.

China-Africa business ties have seen exciting growth both in size and in structure, he said.

According to Wen, for three years in a row, China has been Africa's biggest trading partner country; notable progress has been made in cooperation in financing, and cooperation projects launched by China better meet Africa's development needs; Chinese investment in Africa, made in increasingly diversified areas and ways, has registered strong growth.

Meanwhile, we need to be aware that in the process of the rapid growth of China-Africa economic cooperation, some long-standing issues are yet to be thoroughly resolved and some new problems have emerged, said Wen.

"We are working with African countries to find effective solutions to these issues," said Wen. "We have full confidence in China-Africa business cooperation, and I am sure that the future holds ever greater promise for our business ties."

Guided by the principle of sincere friendship, equality, mutual benefit and common development, China will continue to work with African countries to grow even closer economic and trade relations, Wen said.

He called on both sides to enhance inter-governmental consultation and coordination, adopt feasible mid and long-term cooperation programs, promote balanced development of trade and further intensify investment cooperation.

China will follow a government-guided, business-led and market-driven approach for win-win progress, said Wen. "We will lay greater emphasis on the need to improve people's well-being, create jobs, protect Africa's eco-environment and respect local cultures and customs. "

He also called on both sides to jointly manage food crisis and promote international cooperation on sustainable development.

China calls for the establishment of a more just and equitable international political and economic order, oppose inequalities in all forms, and support the independent choice of development paths made by African countries, said Wen.

Stressing that China pursues an open, inclusive and win-win approach in carrying out cooperation with Africa, Wen said the country is ready to work with both Africa and the entire international community to contribute more to world peace and development and the well-being of mankind.

President of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Niger's President Mahamadou Issoufou, Prime Minister of Cape Verde Jose Maria Pereira Neves and Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga, together with some 1,000 representatives from China and Africa business circles attended the conference.