ACCRA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Monday that Ghana and China are significantly expanding bilateral ties through stronger diplomatic engagement, deeper economic cooperation and joint development initiatives.

Speaking at the government's accountability series on the foreign ministry's work over the past eight months, Ablakwa said Ghana is among the first African countries to benefit from China's zero-tariff access for African exports.

"We have also opened discussions on a number of initiatives, including the establishment of electric vehicle assembling plants, bauxite-to-aluminum value addition, and the establishment of direct flights between Ghana and major Chinese cities," he said.

Ablakwa also praised Chinese investors for their role in transformative projects across the country.■