Fiji would like to promote agricultural cooperation with southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, said visiting Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama of Fiji's interim government.

Bainimarama arrived here on Monday after watching the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, starting a two-day visit to Guangxi.

"The climate and other environmental conditions here have many similarities with that of Fiji," said Bainimarama at a meeting with Ma Biao, chairman of the regional government.

"We are very interested in the techniques of planting cassava, producing alcohol from cassava, and the exploitation and utilization of other agricultural products," he added.

Ma Biao said Guangxi has similar conditions with Fiji in the agricultural development, which creates great potential for cooperation.

He also suggested the two sides discuss cooperation in processing and utilization of sugar and cassava, planting rice, fishing, sea product processing and port trade.

"Fiji established ties with Guangxi as early as in 1998. I hope my visit will further boost the relationship between the two sides," said Bainimarama.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)