Uganda calls on China to help Africa gain fair share of world trade

A top Ugandan government official on Monday urged China to help Africa gain a fair share of the world trade as it increases its cooperation with the continent.

Gaggawala Wambuzi, the minister of state for trade while speaking at a Photo Exhibition at the Chinese Embassy here said that the continent is the biggest in size but takes a small percent of world trade.

"Africa is only enjoying 3 percent of world trade, this must change. We are appealing to the Chinese people, government that we would like to occupy the correct position," he said.

The Photo Exhibition was showcasing the achievements of the eight economic cooperation measures Chinese President Hu Jintao announced at the 2006 Beijing Summit of the Forum on Sino-Africa Cooperation.

The measures are intended to help African countries achieve socioeconomic development.

Wambuzi said China and Africa should ensure that the trade imbalance that exists among them is reduced.

"If African exports to China will be equal to China's exports to Africa, in terms of volume, value and quantity, this is the challenge. We must have that done," he said.

He hailed the Sino-Africa cooperation in the agriculture, education, medical and other sectors, saying it will help the continent in achieving socio-economic development.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, while speaking at the opening of a two-day forum on China-Africa Cooperation meeting in Egypt on Sunday, appealed to world leaders to work together to end protectionism and promote industrial growth and development in Africa.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who attended the meeting, announced a new package of eight measures aimed at helping Africa fast track its socioeconomic development.

Source: Xinhua