China signed a package of assistance agreements with Zambia in Lusaka on Thursday, providing the southern African country with fresh Chinese grants and loans.

According to the agreements, the package is to fund projects including the construction of a modern stadium, an international conference center and a government complex building.

Also as part of the agreements, teams of Chinese experts will be sent to help unleash Zambia's agricultural potentials.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming said the assistance package is yet another testimony of China's commitment to its African friends.

He said that the Chinese funds would, in some way, help Zambia overcome the financial difficulties in the wake of the global credit crunch.

Chen also said that China would like to further enhance bilateral trade ties and encourage more Chinese investment into Zambia.

After signing the agreements, Zambian Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane thanked China for its support on behalf of the Zambian side, adding that his country is "indeed grateful" for the help during the time of need.

"Allow me at this juncture...to thank the government of the People's Republic of China for extending the support to us during our time of need," the Zambian minister said, "in particular during a time when many countries are facing difficulties in raising financing for investments due to recent developments on the global arena."

Through the Chinese assistance, Musokotwane said, Zambia is now able to complete old projects and implement some of its priority programs which are intended to further reduce poverty and provide an opportunity for development.

He added that the Zambian government would be committed to putting to good use the resources to be received through the agreements.

Chen Deming, who heads a senior government delegation, arrived in Zambia from Kenya on Wednesday evening. He will fly to Angola on Saturday where his Africa tour ends.

(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2009)