The impact of the economic crisis is deepening and will hit developing nations particularly hard, Chinese President Hu Jintao warned on Monday as he embarked on the final leg of a tour of Africa.
A day after inking deals worth more than $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 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.
”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,” he added.
On Sunday, the Chinese president signed deals with his Tanzanian counterpart, Jakaya Kikwete, totalling $21,9-million covering agriculture, communications and technical cooperation.
Hu arrived later on Monday in Mauritius where he is to pen two agreements to finance infrastructure in the Indian Ocean island, home to the biggest Chinese diaspora in Africa, with more than 30 000 nationals of Chinese origin.
He was welcomed by his host, Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
On Tuesday he will meet a Mauritian government delegation led by Ramgoolam, and then visit a Chinese cultural centre before winding up his visit later in the day.
”During the Chinese president’s visit, two deals will be signed to finance the enlargment of an airport and other infrastructure,” said Suresh Seeballuck, the Cabinet secretary.
China has funded several projects on the Indian Ocean island since 1972 when Mauritius switched its diplomatic allegiance from Taipei to Beijing.
Official Chinese figures show trade between China and Africa jumped 45% in 2008, with Chinese exports to the continent up 36,3% and its imports, mainly oil, soaring 54%.
Critics of China’s growing role in Africa accuse Beijing of acting in a colonial fashion, focusing only on its own interests, and dealing with regimes in countries such as Sudan and Zimbabwe, which are pariahs in the West. — Sapa-AFP