China's special envoy on African affairs says Chinese investments in Africa have brought multiple benefits to the continent

China's special envoy on African affairs Liu Guijin says Chinese investments in Africa have brought multiple benefits to the continent, providing better livelihood, more development opportunities and more choices for local people, according to a senior Chinese diplomat.

Mr. liu made the comments at the end of the three-day World Economic Forum on Africa which took place in south Africa.

He told a seminar on prospects for Sino-African relations that China's investments cater to Africa's needs for a diversified economy.

Mr. liu added that the investments have increased rapidly and in a variety of forms, covering 49 countries of the continent and a wide range of areas including mining, finance, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, forestry, fishery and animal husbandry.

He said China has been working to enhance Africa's self-development capabilities.

In Zambia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Egypt and Ethiopia, China has invested more than 250 million U. S. dollars in economic and trade joint ventures, or local infrastructure, said the Chinese special envoy.

According to statistics released by Zambia, China's investments contributed to the creation of 15,000 job opportunities in the country in 2010 and Local people have witnessed much improved livelihood with investments in road building, housing, hospitals and schools.

the Chinese diplomat said a great change in the pattern of investment in Africa is the soaring of capital inflow from developing countries, which have become more reliable investors than the developed world against the backdrop of global financial crisis.

China's investments have drawn more and more attention in Africa and the world, giving rise to high enthusiasm in Western investors or those from developing countries about the economic and social development in the continent, he said, adding foreign investments are becoming the key resources for Africa's development.

The three-day meeting, held under the theme "From Vision to Action, Africa's Next Chapter," is gathering more than 900 participants from over 60 countries to discuss potentials and challenges of Africa's economic development in the post-crisis era.

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