China has committed to funding and helping equip Botswana's newly-built Gaborone Multi-Purpose Youth Center, the biggest of its kind in the country.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of the grant agreement, Botswana's Finance Minister Kenneth Matambo said that Botswana as a middle income country has seen most of the development partners withdraw their assistance.

"However, a few partners like the Chinese government have been steadfastly supportive and continue to assist us, and for that we are very grateful," Matambo said.

He said the Chinese government has not only supported Botswana with financial grants and concessional loans, but also provided technical support, and offered human resource training in different areas.

"Cooperation between Botswana and China doesn't start today. The two countries have enjoyed long term cooperation, covering various areas such as infrastructure, railways and education, just to mention a few," Matambo said.

Chinese Ambassador to Botswana Zheng Zhuqiang said that China is one of Botswana's strongest development partner and China has help finance infrastructure such as railway, road, and primary schools.

Zheng said the fund will be mainly utilized to implement the second phase of Gaborone Multi-Purpose Youth Center, which was also built on a grant from China, and handed over to Botswna in December 2012.