China-Africa relations expected to grow: S. African official

PRETORIA -- A South African government official said on Thursday the China-Africa relations will continue to grow and benefit both partners.

Ebraim Ishmail Ebrahim, parliamentary counselor to the Presidency, was speaking in Pretoria during a book launch to mark the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

The book, titled "FOCAC 2015: A new beginning of China Africa Relations, was co-authored by South African and Chinese researchers.

Ebrahim lauded FOCAC as a significant driver of the Sino-Africa friendship, saying China's engagement in the past 20 years has accelerated Africa's economic growth and improved infrastructure in the continent.

China, he said, has built roads and railways which are the foundation to regional integration and poverty alleviation.

Ebrahim said China is committed to ensuring that there is a long lasting peace in Africa to make the environment conducive for economic growth and development.

"Africa should take advantage of China's expanding market base. China has helped the local economy and boosted manufacturing production and afforded African households goods at affordable prices. China has also reduced debt for African countries," he said.

China is now contributing to building a new world order, Ebrahim said, adding that "a new voice on the international stage is also being heard" as the country is Africa's key partner to democratize the international organizations such as the UN, International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the World Trade Organisation.