Karzai visit yields major pacts

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-25 07:10
Comments(5)PrintMail
LargeMediumSmall
',1)">
Get Flash Player
BEIJING - China has announced more investment in Afghanistan and pledged to continue aiding reconstruction efforts in the war-torn neighboring country.

President Hu Jintao talks with visiting Afghanistan counterpart Hamid Karzai after a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People on Wednesday. [Wu Zhiyi/ China Daily]
President Hu Jintao and his visiting Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai witnessed the signing of three deals on Wednesday, which cover economic cooperation, technical training and the granting of preferential tariffs for some Afghan exports to China. Details were not disclosed.
China is seen as a key player in an international coalition seeking to secure and rebuild Afghanistan, particularly after US troops pull out, analysts said, adding that Beijing is striving to help boost security and revive the economy in Afghanistan.
Related readings:
 Afghan president Karzai leaves for China
 Economy key agenda during Karzai visit
 Karzai, Obama discuss prospects of Taliban talks
It was earlier reported that State-owned China Metallurgical Group promised to invest a record $3 billion in one of the world's largest copper mines south of Kabul.
Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmai Rassoul told China Daily on Wednesday that China has contributed tremendously in Afghan economic development, especially in infrastructure building.
He said Afghanistan, a country rich in natural gas and iron ore deposits, welcomes more Chinese investment in those areas.
He promised the government will take measures to safeguard the security of Chinese companies and nationals working in Afghanistan.
"There are some security issues. We are trying to deal with it and I hope the security situation will allow Chinese investment to operate without any risks," he said.
Afghanistan is heavily dependent on international aid, but its government hopes the vast reserves of minerals will provide the key to eventual financial independence
Gong Shaopeng, a professor in international politics at China Foreign Affairs University, said the major goal of the Afghan government is to revitalize the country's economy.
He said China's step-by-step aid to the country has helped stabilize the situation and provide job opportunities.
"We have helped Afghanistan rebuild facilities damaged by the war, like roads and water channels," he said.
This is Karzai's first visit to China since his re-election last year, and his fourth as Afghan president.
He is scheduled to meet top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday.
Ai Yang contributed to this story.