Bolivia's President-elect Evo Morales said on Saturday that he needs to be pragmatic and do "good business" for the country, according to reports from Bolivia's administrative capital of La Paz.

"I understand perfectly that it's important to be practical," he told a press conference, adding that he was convinced that "the work of the government, the work of the president, is to do good business for the Bolivian people."

The president-elect made the remarks after a 10-day international tour,which took him to Europe, South Africa, China and Brazil.

He said he had received, during the tour, promises from world leaders to help Bolivia alleviate poverty.

"Some offered to forgive debt, others offered to invest in state and private companies. Some governments offered economic support, donations for social needs," he said.

Morales was elected as Bolivia's first indigenous president last month, and he will take office on Jan. 22.

Source: Xinhua