BEIJING - China had helped build over 142 agricultural projects in Africa by the end of 2009, according to a white paper on China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation released Thursday.

The projects mainly include pilot agro-technical stations, stations for popularizing agricultural techniques, farms, and agricultural technology demonstration centers, the white

China said agriculture is a priority field for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, and helping Africa solve its food security problem is the ultimate goal in their agricultural cooperation.

Currently, the two sides have conducted cooperation in agricultural infrastructure construction, food production and breeding industry, exchange and transfer of agricultural practical techniques, and processing, storage and transport of agricultural products.

The Chinese government also encourages its enterprises to invest in agricultural product processing and agricultural development projects in Africa, according to the white paper.

To improve the livelihood of African people, China has made great efforts to assist African countries to build public facilities, improve their medical care and public health service, reduce their debts, and provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid, the white paper said.

The 29-page white paper, released by the State Council Information Office, is the first white paper on its economic and trade cooperation with Africa.