Published: 12:00am, 4 Dec, 2015 Updated: 11:36am, 4 Dec, 2015
In an increasingly deepening economic relationship, China signed HK$50bn ($ 6.5bn ) of agreements and loan deals with East Africa , a sign of the Asian giant’s ambition to expand its presence in Africa . More aid and investment will be announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in China , despite criticism that China is exploiting resources through cheap loans to African countries. Just this week , Transnet and China Export Credit Insurance has agreed to a $ 6.5bn funding guarantee for infrastructure projects. On another note, research reveals that Africa is becoming increasingly popular with Chinese tourists, however, it appears there are still issues that need to be overcome, such as negative press reports, if it is to compete with the western tourist markets. It is predicted that East Africa will see the largest rise in African tourists as it is making it much easier in terms of visas.