12 January 2010: On the occasion of the signing of a US$14 million grant agreement on economic and technical cooperation between China and the African Union (AU) Commission, the two parties highlighted the need for continued cooperation on climate change issues. During the signing ceremony held at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 12 January 2010, China’s Minister of Commerce Chen Deming expressed his Government’s desire to assist Africa in developing power supplies. He stated that China’s cooperation with Africa is focused on, among others: climate change and other environmental challenges; enhanced cooperation in agriculture, science and technology; and opening up China’s markets to Africa. The AU Commission’s Deputy Chairperson, Erastus Mwencha, noted the Commission’s desire to increase its collaboration with China in addressing climate change, and stressed the importance for the Commission to be the pillar to coordinate the relationships between Africa and China. [AU Press Release]