China-Africa agric trade hits $4.7b in 2011

The trade volume on agricultural products between China and Africa reached $4.78 billion in 2011, according to figures provided by the Chinese government.

The volume of trade was a 40.2% jump over the 2010 figures and was seven times that of 2001.

Speaking at the recently-held China-Africa Business Cooperation Forum, Director of the Department of International Cooperation of the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, Wang Ying said China exported $2.45 billion in agricultural products to African countries in 2011, up 35.7% year-on-year, and imports increased 45.2% to reach $2.33 billion, the China Daily reported May 20, 2012.

China is said to be Africa’s largest trading partner as bilateral trade value exceeded $160 billion in 2011.

By Ekow Quandzie