A delegation led by Peru's Production Minister Alfonso Velasquez departed for China Saturday to seek economic cooperation with the fast-growing economy and try to attract investment to the Andean country.

The goal of this trip is "to see what we could offer to the Chinese for the amazing growth of their imports," Velasquez said before his departure.

The minister said he was certain that they will get responses from Chinese entrepreneurs, which will not only allow Peru to make use of its raw materials, but to attract investment as well.

The delegation, which comprises private investors in various production fields, will arrive first in Beijing before visiting other important cities, Velasquez said.

Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo met with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) forum held last month in Chile's capital Santiago. Velasquez said the two sides then addressed a wide range of issues "to be discussed again in this official visit."

The minister said during this visit Peru will help make itself a recognized "tourist destination of China," and discuss with China on issues of small-sized companies, competitiveness improvement, technical and credit assistance, and a sanitary agreement on agricultural products.

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2004)