African Union (AU) Conference Center and office complex were built in Addis Ababa with the help of the Chinese government. It was inaugurated in late January.

This made it possible for AU to have its own headquarters building as a major regional body after the lapse of 48 years since its foundation.

In the new century the bilateral ties have actively expanded in various fields including politics, economy, trade and culture with the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a momentum.

The economic and commercial relations have markedly developed, in particular.

The bilateral trade increased to 114 billion U.S. dollars in 2010 from 10.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2000. Last year it hit 160 billion U.S. dollars.

The Chinese government opened China's markets to African goods duty-free, thus helping promote the bilateral trade.

The African countries' exports to China have increased. For instance, 70 percent of Africa's total oil exports find their way to China.

China has also made active investments in African countries so that they can enhance their own potentials for economic development.

China's cooperation spurring the development of Africa is being supported as a positive one conducive to the world peace and prosperity.