China has earmarked a project to fund the production of food and cash crops in Liberia and other African countries over a 50-year period, a visiting Chinese delegation was quoted as saying by Liberian local media Wednesday.

The delegation, headed by Chi Jianxin, CEO of China-Africa Development Fund (CADF), is in the country to explore investment opportunities in the agricultural sector.

Chi said the fund has the financial capacity and expertise to develop and stabilize the food situation in Liberia "particularly in rice production and other cash crops."

While meeting with Liberia's Agriculture Minister Chris Toe, the Chinese delegation said an increased investment in the agricultural sector would provide more food and jobs for hundreds of Liberians.

Toe thanked the Chinese delegation for their commitment to revitalize Liberia's agricultural sector.

He said that rice and cassava production are priorities in Liberia's efforts to reduce poverty.

"Commercial rice, Cassava, and other cash crops would greatly reduce poverty and enhance the economy," said Toe.

The minister listed several investment opportunities in the country that could steadily be looked into for partnership, including food and tree crops, agricultural processing technology and the training of farmers in commercial farming activities.

Toe praised Chinese government and people for their continued assistance in the agricultural sector, such as the China-Liberia Agricultural Demonstration Center and bamboo weaving training program.

(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2008)