Kufuor appeals for Chinese support

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Friday appealed to China to lend a helping hand to efforts by Ghana to streamline her economy and keep its development initiatives on course.

"We want to add value to what we produce and sell and we count on China to encourage investments and joint ventures to facilitate the transfer of technology to Ghana," he said.

President Kufuor was speaking during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador Mr Lu Yongshou at the State House.

The meeting was part of a series Mr Lu has held with the government this year to deepen bilateral relations.

President Kufuor lauded the 40 years of development co-operation with China with the focus on agriculture, education and culture.

"We want such nations with knowledge in science and technology to help us develop on the basis of humanity. We do not want to feel that our big friends want to keep us, the smaller ones, down," he said.

President Kufuor called for Chinese assistance to boost local efforts to generate sufficient revenue to reverse its trade deficits.

Mr Lu said his country is committed to a dynamic partnership with Africa by strengthening co-operation in politics, economics, science and education.

He said China would improve on its development support to Africa, which stood at 30 billion dollars (100 billion Yuan) last year. Mr Lu said 30 million dollars was spent on water and electricity projects for 106 communities along the Volta Lake.

He expressed appreciation for the leading role of Ghana in promoting world peace and stability.

Mr Lu said in appreciation of this role, China has decided to support the UN secretary-general, Mr Kofi Annan in his bid for re-election.