A report on Sino-Africa economic and trade cooperation has confirmed that China’s direct investment in Africa increased annually by 20.5 percent from $1.44 billion in 2009 to $2.52 billion in 2012.

The white paper released today noted that China’s manufacturing enterprises had directly invested $1.33 billion in the 2009-2012 periods towards African countries.

During this period, it has succeeded in signing Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT) with 32 African countries and established joint economic commission mechanisms with 45 African countries.

The report which was published by China’s Information Office of the State Council says the Asian country currently has over 2,000 enterprises investing in more than 50 African countries and regions, covering industries such as traditional agriculture, mining, construction, resource product processing, industrial manufacturing, finance, commercial logistics and real estate.

Africa’s investment in China also grew as the continent’s direct investment in the world’s second-biggest economy stood at $14.24 billion at the end of 2012, up 44 percent from 2009.

However, the Asian powerhouse is seeking to further create a healthy trade development with Africa by enhancing its investment and financial cooperation while taking multiple measures.

Such measures include implementing the “Special Plan on Trade with Africa,” which will expand the scope of zero tariff treatment for African products exported to China and increase the world’s second-biggest economy’s imports from Africa.

China, which has been Africa’s largest trade partner since 2009, also plans to improve the brand building, marketing channels and quality of the country’s commodities exported to Africa.