Cape Town — The Premier of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao has reassured African countries that his country's generosity towards poor countries comes with "no strings attached".

"Our cooperation with African countries is transparent, open and inclusive and we will always promote a win-win situation," he said.

Mr Wen, who was speaking at the opening of the China-South Africa Business Cooperation Forum, said his country did not have any hidden agendas.

"China has endeavored to provide assistance without any political strings attached to our brothers and sisters in Africa to the best of our ability."

He cited the close- to- a thousand social and economic projects which China had initiated in and for the benefit of African countries over the years, as evidence that his country had no sinister intentions.

"We respect the social system and development strategy pursued by African countries in light of their particular national conditions.

"We do not seek to export our own values and developmental models to Africa."

With Africa calling for equitable representation at the UN Security Council, Mr Wen said his country would not hesitate to lend its support to the positions adopted by the continent internationally as well as domestically.

"We will continue to speak out for the interests of Africa at international forums and support African countries in their efforts to safeguard sovereignty, independence and promote regional peace and stability," he said.

Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka said China and South Africa had a lot in common and there was a lot that both countries stood to benefit by working together.

"Both countries are currently under pressure to deliver on Millennium Development goals, we both face energy challenges and our economies are characterised by the huge gap between the first and second economy," she said.

She said working together would make it possible for the two countries to tap into each other's experiences.

Today's forum is likely to see more investment between the two countries in areas of infrastructure development, tourism and minerals beneficiation.

South Africa and China are currently exploring the use of Pebble Bed Reactor Technology as an option to increasing energy outputs.

"Indeed this is one of the areas where we will be cooperating in," said Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka.