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China-Africa trade hits record high of $166bln in 2011

At the same time China continues to provide support for the development plans of African countries

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

RABAT, August 17 (Itar-Tass) — Trade between Africa and Chine keeps growing at a fast pace, according to a report of China’s Ministry of Commerce made public in the capital of Senegal, Dakar, on Thursday.

In 2011 their trade hit a record high of 166.3 billion dollars, up by 83 percent more than in 2009.

China steadily secured its place as Africa’s main trade partner and its investments in the African continent made up 14.7 billion dollars in 2011.

According to the ministry’s report, every year over 2,000 Chinese companies steadily inject funds into such sectors as energy, natural resources, construction and manufacturing.

At the same time China continues to provide support for the development plans of African countries. In the period from 2009 to 2011 China’s aid increased by 60 percent.

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