Backgrounder: China-Cameroon relations

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-31-2007 13:56

Since China established diplomatic relations with Cameroon 36 years ago, bilateral relations have been developing steadily. Cooperation has grown in trade, infrastructure construction and culture.

China has always attached great importance to friendly ties with Cameroon, and has regarded Cameroon as one of its major cooperative partners in Africa. The two countries share similar viewpoints on major international issues. They're also joining in efforts to drive economic globalization to benefit developing countries. Experts say friendly relations mean a lot to China.

Xu Weizhong, Deputy Sec. Gen. China Ass'n of African Studies, said, "Cameroon plays a significant role in both the economic development and the regional affairs of West Africa. Cameroon's ambassador to China is also the dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China. Therefore, to strengthen the friendly ties between China and Cameroon is crucial to the China-African relations."

Trade between China and Cameroon has developed rapidly. In 2005, two-way trade totaled 210 million US dollars. Cameroon exports cotton, logs and lumber to China, and imports footwear, tractors, mechanical and electrical products.

China has provided economic aid to Cameroon in the past particularly in infrastructure construction. Chinese-funded projects in Cameroon include building a conference center and gymnasium in the capital Yaounde as well as extending roads in the economic capital Douala.

Chinese medical workers have been working in Cameroon since 1975 and have been warmly welcomed by locals. China has also set up a Chinese language center in Yaounde, which has trained more than 300 professionals.

Xu Weizhong, Deputy Sec. Gen. China Ass'n of African Studies, said, "Bilateral cooperation between China and Cameroon is all-round and has reached an unprecedented level. China helped Cameroon launch many large projects in its infrastructure construction. It is safe to say China's good relations with Cameroon can be an epitome of Sino-African ties."

At last year's Sino-African Cooperation Forum, China agreed to grant Cameroon a tourist destination status. Both sides pledged to enhance cooperation in telecommunication network construction, resource development and agrosciences.

Editor:Du Xiaodan