Follow local laws, Chinese businesses in Africa advised
Chinese investors face criticism in Africa over their poor regard for labor rights.
BEIJING (AP) - A Chinese diplomat has urged the country s businesses operating in Africa to follow local laws and put long-term benefits ahead of short-term gains.
The remarks Monday by Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun follow criticism of some Chinese investors in Africa over their poor regard for labor rights and shoddy business practices.
Chinese diplomats were stung last week by comments from Nigerian Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi that criticized China for exploiting the continent s mineral wealth while undermining its manufacturing industries.
The official Xinhua News Agency quoted Zhai as telling a Beijing business forum that Chinese companies should work to benefit their African host economies.
He acknowledged "growing pains" amid a 20-fold expansion in trade over the past decade, driven largely by China s demand for oil and other African commodities.
