Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has appealed to Chinese businesses to invest in the southern African country as a means to consolidate the friendly relations between the two countries.

"I wish to take this opportunity to encourage Chinese businessmen and women to take advantage of the huge potential that Zambia has to offer... and come to invest," he said while receiving the letter of credence from newly-appointed Chinese ambassador to Zambia Li Baodong.

President Mwanawasa said his government has placed agriculture, mining and tourism at the central stage of national development efforts and hoped that Chinese investors will invest in these areas.

He hailed the warm and cordial relationship that have long existed between the two countries, which he said is firmly founded on mutual respect and trust as well as common values and ideals.

He also mentioned bilateral cooperation within the context of the United Nations and its special agencies as well as the China- Africa Cooperation Forum.

President Mwanawasa expressed his appreciation that China has always attached great importance to its relations with Africa. He called for continued cooperation between the two countries in reforms of the United Nations and other issues on the international agenda.

Ambassador Li Baodong said China appreciates Zambia's emphasis on bilateral relations and its adherence to the "one China" principle.

He said China is ready to further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries and will continue to speak out for Africa in the international arena to help solve the problems confronted by the continent.

Source: Xinhua