The African Development Bank (AFDB) has described China as the top most emerging economic partner for Malawi as observed through visible development projects and the high presence of merchants from the Asian economic superpower.

In its 2011 African Economic Outlook report released locally in Lilongwe on Tuesday, AFDB says China's investments in several construction projects in the country has created many jobs and helped the country develop its infrastructure.

"Chinese investment is highly visible. The impression is that China is the leading partner. The number of migrants from China adds to this impression," reads the report.

The report estimates loans and grants received by Malawi from China to have totaled US$270 million while the trade volume between the two countries is put at around US$100 million per year.

Chinese private sector investment in Malawi is estimated at US$59 million.

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AFDB says the presence of Chinese and Indian investments in Malawi provides lower prices of goods as compared to those products from traditional partners.

"Their goods potentially increase consumer and total surplus due to the fact that for the same amount of money, Malawians can access more and a broader variety of goods and services," observes the report.

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-- Extracted from The Daily Times, Written by Kingsley Jassi