Africa is willing to cooperate with China and draw from its
experiences of economic development, President of Madagascar Marc
Ravalomanana said during the annual board meetings of the Asian Development
Bank (AfDB).
In this world of globalization, Africa's development entails
more international cooperation and Africa's commercial ties with
China is getting closer, said Ravalomanana.
The president also called for wider cooperation between
Madagascar and China.
"There are a lot of new areas in which the two countries can
cooperate," he said, citing Madagascar's rich natural resources for
pharmaceutical purposes and tourism.
But service facilities remain poor in Madagascar, the president
said, adding that Chinese entrepreneurs are welcome to develop
tourism in his country.
Economic growth in Madagascar averaged about five percent in
recent years and is expected to grow at seven percent in 2007, he
said.
"As Africa n economies are improving, we need to share more
experiences on development," said the president.
The 2008 Olympics in Beijing will also be a good
opportunity for further understanding and cooperation between
Africa and China, he said.
"I hope I will go to Beijing next year to watch the Games and
know more about China," said Ravalomanana.
(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2007)
