Official data indicate that Chinese exports to São Tomé e Príncipe were worth US$8.9 million last year, Macauhub reports.

The website, citing São Tomé e Príncipe government figures, says China exported US$2.3 million worth of footwear, US$2 million worth of motor vehicles, US$1.9 million worth of rubber and US$1 million worth of machinery and electronic equipment.

China and São Tomé e Príncipe resumed diplomatic relations in 2016 and the following year struck a co-operation framework agreement worth US$146 million to São Tomé e Príncipe.

Last year the Chinese and São Tomé e Príncipe heads of government met in Beijing and signed four agreements to co-operate in agriculture, technology and cultural affairs.