Hu urges reform in global financial system

By Li Xing (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-15 18:00

President Hu Jintao called Sunday for reforms in the global financial system to ensure that developing countries, including those in Africa, get better representation and more scope to make their voices heard.

He made the remarks at his meeting with Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.

China is willing to strengthen communications and cooperation with Tanzania and other African countries to minimize the effects of the global economic crisis, President Hu Jintao said Sunday.

Supporting Hu's view on the global economic crisis, Kikwete said the downturn has created problems for Tanzania and other African countries, too.

Dar es Salam-based newspaper The Citizen has reported that the global economic downturn is hurting the sisal processing and exports sector.

Tanzania is taking steps to overcome the difficulties and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to counter the crisis, Kikwete said.

Hu reached Dar es Salaam late on Saturday night, becoming the first Chinese president to visit Tanzania. The official welcoming ceremony, held in the city square, featured an elite ceremonial military procession, during which the band played the Chinese and Tanzanian national anthems.