The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), facing challenges in infrastructure, transportation, power and telecommunications, hopes Chinese companies expand investment in the region.

 

Rwandese President and sitting Chairman of COMESA Paul Kagame said this Saturday at the High-level Dialogue and 2nd Conference of Chinese and African Entrepreneurs.

 

Chinese companies' investment in Africa plays an important role in enhancing Africa-China strategic partnership, he said.

 

COMESA appreciates Chinese government's zero-tariff treatment to some products from Africa, hoping this treatment be expanded to cover more goods from more African countries, he said.

 

The COMESA, a huge market striving to eliminate internal tariff and non-tariff barriers, invites Chinese firms to invest in various economic sectors, he said, mentioning the potential in tourism exchanges.

 

China has done a good job in facilitating investment and trade, and COMESA will learn from its experiences in this regard, he said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 5, 2006)