The people's Republic of China has put forward an eight point plan of engagement with Africa over the next three years in support of Sino-African relations.
China is proposing, among other things, to open up its markets to african countries, initiate some 100 projects to supply clean energy as well as collaborate with Africa on improving science and agriculture.
These commitments were made during the 4th ministerial Forum on China Africa Cooperation, focac, held in Sharm el-sheikh, Egypt.
Ghana was represented by Vice President John Dramani Mahama who joined other african heads of state and governments to engage China in the two day summit from 8th to 9th of november, 2009 in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-sheikh.
The chinese delegation was led by the country's prime minister Wen Jiabao.
China had engaged with Africa at this level on three previous occasions in 2000, 2003 and 2006 in Beijing and Addis Abbaba.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak who chaired the fourth session thanked China for interest shown in Africa and called on the west to equally respond to the development needs of the continent.
He mentioned the negative effects of the global economic crisis on the cost of credit and called on the g20 to help establish a new economic order.
Chinese premier Wen Jiabao told the gathering, China cherishes its relationship with Africa and was committed to sharing knowledge and partnering africa to enhance development on the continent.
He said trade between China and Africa had gone up to some 100 billion dollars, with about 7.8 billion chinese private holdings component.
He announced a 5 billion dollar chinese development package for Africa through support for the millennium development goals, conflict resolution, small scale development as well as cultural and political exchanges between the two regions.
Other heads of state and government, including Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Omar al Bashir of Sudan and Gulliame Soro of cote d'viore also addressed the forum urging stronger ties with China.
Vice President John Mahama who represented Ghana thanked the chinese government for its support for Ghana's development agenda as well as Africa, describing China as a true friend of the continent as it has extended support despite the global financial challenges.
Story by: Henry Malm (TV3)
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