Africa is willing to cooperate with China and draw from its experiences of economic development, President of Madagascar Marc Ravalomanana said during the annual board meetings of the Asian Development Bank (AfDB).

In this world of globalization, Africa's development entails more international cooperation and Africa's commercial ties with China is getting closer, said Ravalomanana.

The president also called for wider cooperation between Madagascar and China.

"There are a lot of new areas in which the two countries can cooperate," he said, citing Madagascar's rich natural resources for pharmaceutical purposes and tourism.

But service facilities remain poor in Madagascar, the president said, adding that Chinese entrepreneurs are welcome to develop tourism in his country.

Economic growth in Madagascar averaged about five percent in recent years and is expected to grow at seven percent in 2007, he said.

"As Africa n economies are improving, we need to share more experiences on development," said the president.

The 2008 Olympics in Beijing will also be a good opportunity for further understanding and cooperation between Africa and China, he said.

"I hope I will go to Beijing next year to watch the Games and know more about China," said Ravalomanana.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2007)