SHANGHAI, March 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Josef Kabila, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, said he was impressed by the "great progress" achieved by Shanghai.

    In a visit to this metropolis in east China, Kabila said Shanghai's successful experience is helpful to his country's economic reforms.

    Trade volume between Shanghai and the central African nation has soared in recent years. In 2004 the gross trade volume was 35 million US dollars, up from 1 million US dollars in 2000.

    Kabila arrived earlier Sunday on a four-day working visit to China as guest of Chinese President Hu Jintao. This is his second visit to China as president. He will go to Beijing on Monday.