BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Along with China's efforts to boost economic ties with African countries, the nation is also working to promote bilateral culture exchanges.

While participating in a seminar for African information officers and journalists in Beijing, Irene John from Tanzania said she felt "very lucky" to attend it.

"I think I will definitely benefit from this trip to China," said the information officer.

John is among the 46 people from 17 African countries who participated in the Ninth Seminar for Information Officers and Journalists for African Countries, which aims to enhance China-Africa communication, cooperation and friendship.

Brain Riruaka, a Namibia information officer, said that he appreciated the workshop's "honesty," as professors at the seminar did not avoid talking about the problems with China's growth model.

"As part of China-Africa cooperation, the seminar provides a great opportunity for me and my colleagues to understand China's economy, politics and culture, which is more important than just financial assistance," he said.

It was the first time for the seminar to include an introduction on China's economic development, according to Sun Qiming, a professor with Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications.

Sun, who gave a class on China's economic development, reform and opening up at the workshop, said as China rises as an economic power, the world desires to learn what's going on in the country.

About 350 information officers and journalists from 48 African countries have attended the annual seminar since its establishment in 2004. Co-organized by the Ministry of Commerce and State Council Information Office, the two-week seminar this year kicked off on July 17.