São Tomé and Príncipe Minister of Tourism, Culture, Commerce and Industry Maria da Graça Lavres has said it is only a matter of time before her country allows Chinese vessels to fish in its waters, Lusa reports.

The Portuguese news agency quotes Ms Lavres as saying while visiting China that environmental impact assessments would have to be done first, so action can be taken to ensure the sustainability exploiting the fish stocks of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Ms Lavres said China was interested in cooperating with São Tomé and Príncipe in almost all areas, and that her country should be bolder in responding to Chinese overtures.

The partnership that China and São Tomé and Príncipe have formed since they re-established diplomatic relations in 2016 has borne fruit, Lusa quotes the Minister as saying.