China has frayed tariffs on 190 imported goods from 28 of the least developed African countries to facilitate its trade with Africa and increase access to its markets.

China imports oil, timber and cotton from Africa while China's exports to Africa comprise mainly machinery, electronics, textiles and hi-tech products.

African exports increased by 30 percent with Europe while with China it grew by 72 percent in 2005.

African trade with China reached US $40 in 2005 as compared with $4 billion in 1995.