China Eximbank held discussions with Chinese enterprises in Beijing, with the aim to better understand the business demands of its corporate clients for supporting imports from Africa and promote the implementation of the USD5 billion special fund for financing imports from Africa. Huang Liangbo, Vice President of the Bank, heads of relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce, and representatives of 30 key enterprises involved in imports from Africa participated in the discussion. 

　　During the discussions, Vice President Huang Liangbo pointed out that supporting imports from Africa is vital to  trade balance and mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Africa. It is also of great significance for helping African countries increase their foreign exchange earnings and alleviate their debt burden. The economies of China and Africa are highly complementary, leaving ample room for China to increase imports from Africa. As a policy-based financial institution, the Bank will further its cooperation with Chinese enterprises and make sure that the special fund will be effectively implemented. 

　　At present, the Bank provides financial products and services not only to domestic enterprises and financial institutions, but also to exporting enterprises and financial institutions in Africa. The Bank focuses on enhancing Africa’s processing and manufacturing industries, promoting special economic zones and industrial parks so as to help build Africa’s export capacity.  

　　Officials from relevant departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce gave updates on the latest development and typical features of China-Africa economic cooperation and trade. The Bank also signed cooperation agreements and business contracts with 14 enterprises on supporting imports from Africa.  

　　Going forward, the Bank will continue to forge closer partnerships with the enterprises, roll out more diversified financial services to encourage Chinese enterprises to import from Africa, and fully implement the special funds so as to raise China-Africa cooperation to new heights.