China encourages its businesses to explore African market

China called on its businesses to explore the African market and deepen cooperation with African businesses.
Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin made the call on Tuesday evening in a seminar with representatives of more than 10 Chinese businesses based in South Africa.
Jia, the chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, was making an official goodwill visit to the country at the southern tip of the African continent.
Jia extended warm greetings and good wishes to the representatives of the Chinese businesses in South Africa, praising their hard work and wisdom.
By the end of 2009, the Chinese businesses, which ranged from mineral exploration and machinery to textile and garment, had invested a total of 7 billion U.S. dollars in South Africa, setting up over 100 companies and involving a Chinese staff of about 3,000 people, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.