A senior Chinese official said in Beijing on August that China will further expand its working relationship and exchanges with African countries after it is admitted into the World Trade Organization.

Sun Guangxiang, vice-minister of foreign trade and economic cooperation, made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Training Class for China-Africa Economic Officials.

Sun noted that the training class, initiated by Chinese President Jiang Zemin, is aimed at promoting the exchanges between Chinese and African economic officials.

The class will also serve to enhance mutual understanding and to explore new ways for further cooperation, Sun said.

He added that China and Africa are complementary in economy, and China is ready to maintain its long-term and cooperative relations with Africa.

The participants, who are officials in charge of the economy of the central government, are from 16 African countries including South Africa, Angola and Ghana.

They will also attend a symposium on investment and trade to be held by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation on September 20-22.

The Fifth Training Class for China-Africa Economic Officials will conclude on October 19.

(People's Daily 08/29/2000)