China and Mauritania have signed agreements for a total funding of 180 million yuan (about 27 million U. S. dollars).

Mauritania's Economy Minister Sidi Ould Tah revealed on Tuesday in Nouakchott that this money will target important development projects in Mauritania.

The economy minister was speaking to the press upon arrival from China, where he had taken part in the second session of the Sino-Mauritanian economic and commercial commission forum. The session was held from Dec. 28 to Jan. 2 in Beijing.

The minister pointed out that the accords signed between Mauritania and China comprise subsidies worth 60 million yuan, a 60 million yuan interest free loan and another loan of 60 million yuan with favorable conditions.

The minister indicated that this latter loan will be spent on the construction of the Aftout Echarghui road, which is designed to open up the poverty-striken southern areas of Mauritania.