Below are edited excerpts from a transcript of China.org.cn's interview with the Mauritius ambassador to China, Paul Chong Leung.

Q. What do you think of China's expanding investment in Africa?

A. China is very strong as far as agriculture is concerned, but Africa's agriculture is very poor. If the Chinese can go to Africa, with a mixed sort of economy—joint ventures, I should say—I think food security would be much improved in Africa.

Q. There are different opinions and voices about China's expanding investment in Arica, especially from America and the European Union. What is your opinion on this?

A. Well, the African continent is not for any country; it is a free continent, there are free countries. They have got to welcome any country which comes to invest in their countries. If an African country would want to trade with them, they are free, they can go. So why should they resent China going there? What I can tell you is that if a Chinese company is going there, it is at the invitation of the African people. They are asking them, and even sometimes they are begging them to come. Because they see they are better with China.

Q. What is the difference between the approaches that China and other foreign countries take when investing in Africa?

A. Basically, there is no difference. If you want oil, you bid for it. The Chinese also bid for it. They don't get oil free from African countries. They don't get timber free from African countries. They bid for it one way or another, so I don't see any problems with that.

Q. Do you think foreign investment in Africa has translated into concrete benefits for local people?

A. Certainly. If this is not so, African people would not welcome China to their countries. If they are not getting anything, they would say, 'You are not welcome."

Q. Lots of African countries are trying their best to attract foreign investment. Is there a fierce competition between those countries?

A. There is fierce competition, especially now. Any country or any businessman wants to get the best deal. It is the rule of the matter. It is a question about who gives the best price.

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