Officials from 12 African nations took part in the opening ceremony for the China-Africa Seminar for Ministrial Officials of Economic Administration.

During the seminar, the officials will be introduced to economic development in China, rural reform and development and China's foreign trade and economic cooperation. Ministers will visit Shanghai, Fujian and Guangdong as well as attend the 6th China International Investment and Trade Fair held in Xiamen.

This is the first time the Chinese government has sponsored such a seminar, which aims to promote mutual exchanges between economic ministries from China and Africa as well as discuss new angles for economic and trade cooperation. All are intended to boost long-term friendly cooperation between China and African countries.

"Trade is a very important part of Sino-African cooperation. By strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperative ties, both sides can fully use their respective advantages and speed up economic development," said Wei Jianguo, China's vice minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation.

In 2001, trade between China and African countries reached US$10.76 billion. It was worth US$5.33 billion in the first half of 2002.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2002)