The government has reiterated its backing of Chinese companies investing in Africa, particularly in energy and mining industries where jobs can be created and local communities improved.

Zhong Manying, director general of the Department of West Asian and African Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, said on Wednesday that during the recent visit to the continent by President Xi Jinping, more than 20 economic and trade cooperation agreements were sealed with African countries.

Chinese financial institutions and companies also finalized around 10 commercial contracts, in sectors including agriculture, machinery, power, ports, energy and mining resources.