Too much labor in Africa revolves around the agriculture industry. The transfer of Chinese manufacturing to Africa will increase efficiency and enable the local people to earn more and turn their earnings into capital for further growth, Lin said, adding that it will be a sustainable model.

"With close cooperation between Asia and Africa, I believe Africa can be as successful as Asia," Lin said.

Zambian President Michael Chilufya Sata said that Africa is expecting more trade with and more investment and jobs from Asia.

This will inject great vitality into the local economy, he said, adding that it will raise Africa's capability and fulfill the spirit of South-South cooperation.

Abdelkader Bensalah, president of the Council of the Nation of Algeria, said the involvement of African nations at the forum reflects the importance they attach to Asia's experience in development and integration.

He said that Africa was not hit hard by the global financial crisis but nevertheless has structural problems blocking growth of the continent, such as poor infrastructure, basic economic structure, limited local markets and lack of innovation.

"We need Africa and its partners to concentrate on and solve problems. Here I want to especially mention Asia, which has widely recognized experience and technology."

lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn