China-Africa trade to top $100bn

Beijing - Beijing says its trade with Africa is on track to top $100bn this year as it benefits from investments in mines, farms and factories on the continent, state media reported Sunday.

Trade between China and Africa jumped 65% on year in the first half to $61.2bn, China's Ministry of Commerce has said, according to the official news agency Xinhua.

China-Africa trade fell to $91.1bn in 2009, down 14.7% from $106.8bn in 2008, the report said.

More than 1 600 Chinese businesses are investing in Africa in the mining, processing, commerce, agriculture, construction and manufacturing sectors, the report said, citing the ministry.

Beijing ceased levying tariffs on 60% of imports from the 26 least developed African nations in July, the report said.

China has invested billions of dollars in Africa, raising eyebrows in the West, but many African leaders have praised China for not preaching about human rights and corruption.