Argentina has offered to become one of the "authorized countries" for Chinese tourists, Argentine International Economic Relations Secretary Martin Redrado said on Monday.

During his visit to Beijing, the Chinese capital, Redrado said about 22 million Chinese traveled abroad last year, and by 2010 the number will reach 100 million, according to Argentine daily Clarin.

As a member of the Argentine diplomatic and commercial mission to China, the official said one of their goals is to be selected as one of Chinese tourist destinations among South American countries.

The mission is headed by Foreign Minister Rafael Bielsa, who met with the Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce, Ma Xiuhong, and will attend a forum on the Argentine export to China.

The mission also includes Argentine entrepreneurs of pharmaceutical companies and the leather sector.
 
(Xinhua News Agency December 2, 2003)