Roundup: Zuma sees opportunities in Africa's strive against global economic crisis by Song Ying and Li Jianmin CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 10 (Xinhua) -- Newly-elected South African President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday highlighted the heavy cost Africa is paying for the global economic crisis, but viewed the economic downturn as an opportunity for future development of the continent. 'The impact of the global economic downturn is being felt in every economy worldwide,' Zuma said at the opening plenary of the World Economic Forum. 'For most African countries, they are still highly indebted and dependent on aid for their revenues. The continuation of the current crisis will mean increased starvation, poverty and child mortality.' Zuma said Africa must do its upmost to cushion people against the impact of the crisis, but they also need to respond in the spirit of planning for a recovery. 'We view the economic downturn as providing both challenges and opportunities for the continent and the developing world in general,' said the president, adding that Africa has its own mechanisms of responding to the crisis. Zuma also said there is a need to transform global financial system, and that was one of the critical lessons for the world to learn from the crisis. The president raised another hot topic during his speech at the plenary, namely, protectionism. 'African agriculture has suffered for decades from the huge subsidies provided to developed country agriculture. We all do understand that all economies become inward looking during difficult economic times. However we can avoid shutting out other markets,' said Zuma. He said 'In this regard, we support African Trade Ministers in their call for a conclusion of the Doha Development Round based on its development mandate. In planning for the upturn, we must take the view that Africa is amongst the new engines of the global growth.' In addition, Zuma stressed the importance of peace and stability, saying it is another key element of working for sustainable economic growth and development in Africa. 'The establishment of the various organs of the AU (African Union) has provided further means to promote multilateral, peaceful and sustainable solutions to crisis,' he said. Meanwhile, Zuma expressed sadness over the death of Gabonese President Omar Bongo Ondimba. 'His contribution to peace in the continent is well known. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and the Gabonese people,' said the president. The economic forum attracted over 800 participants from 50 countries. Five African leaders have confirmed their attempt to take part in the meetings. They are Zuma, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga, Lesotho's Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosislili, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda. Participants of the forum will try to seek practical solutions to foster better business practices and greater investment across the continent. 