BEIJING, Nov 3: The biggest diplomatic event ever hosted by China got under way on Friday as leaders from over 40 African nations gathered in Beijing for a three-day meet aimed at deepening trade and political ties.

China has invited the leaders from 48 of Africa's 53 nations -- with the other five countries who recognise Taiwan also encouraged to send representatives -- in what the Chinese have hailed as a historic event.

Trade between China and Africa is expected to exceed 50 billion dollars this year, a near tenfold increase since 1995, and one of the main themes of the China-Africa Forum is ensuring that number continues to grow.

More than 2,500 business deals will be under discussion at the official two-day summit beginning on Saturday, Chinese vice commerce minister Wei Jianguo said in the lead-up to the event, without giving specifics.

China's need to source more natural resources from Africa -- including oil, iron ore, timber, cotton and minerals -- has attracted the most interest from the Western world, which is watching the deepening ties with some nervousness.

But comments by participants about a statement to be released on Sunday after the summit emphasize that China and Africa are intent on building up their relationships in a wide range of spheres aside from trade.

“The Beijing Declaration will aim to establish a new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa based on equality, mutual trust, economic win-win cooperation and cultural exchanges,” an envoy from summit co-chair Ethiopia was quoted in China's state press as saying.—AFP