The impact of the economic crisis is deepening and will hit developing nations particularly hard, Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤) warned on Monday as he embarked on the final leg of a tour of Africa.
A day after signing deals worth more than US$20 million in Tanzania, Hu called on rich nations to help African countries cope with the downturn before flying to Mauritius, the last stop on a four-nation trip to the continent.
“The impact of the crisis on economies around the world is still deepening and its grave consequences will be felt more in the days to come,” he said in a speech at a town hall gathering in the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam.
“It has put developing countries in a particularly disadvantaged position. Many African friends are concerned that in the face of the daunting challenges of the financial crisis, their international developing partners may scale back aid, debt relief and investment in Africa,” Hu said.
“The developed countries should assume their responsibilities and obligations, continue to deliver their aid, debt relief commitments, maintain and increase assistance to developing countries and effectively help them maintain financial stability and economic growth,” Hu said.
On Sunday, the Chinese president signed deals with his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete totaling US$21.9 million covering agriculture, communications and technical cooperation.
Hu arrived on Monday in Mauritius where he was to sign two agreements to finance infrastructure in the Indian Ocean island.
He was welcomed by Mauritian Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam. Yesterday he was to meet a Mauritian government delegation led by Ramgoolam then visit a Chinese cultural center before winding up his visit later in the day.
“During the Chinese president’s visit, two deals will be signed to finance the enlargement of an airport and other infrastructure,” Cabinet secretary Suresh Seeballuck said.
China has funded several projects on the Indian Ocean island since 1972 when Mauritius switched its diplomatic allegiance from Taipei to Beijing.
“Mauritius is intensifying its efforts so that much of the Chinese investment in Africa goes through Mauritius,” Mauritian Finance Minister Rama Sithanen said.
Charles Lee, head of the Mauritius chamber of commerce, said: “This visit shows a strong friendship between China and Mauritius, a small country without natural resources.”
Imports to Mauritius from China were worth more than US$300 million by September last year, while Beijing has also invested in the island’s textile and communication sectors.
The West has criticized China for its drive to secure natural resources from African states, including from regimes spurned by the West, and Hu has been anxious on his trip to push forward talk of investment and debt relief.
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