Mozambican President Armando Guebuza on Thursday sent his thanks to the Chinese government and companies for their effort in building the southern African country's infrastructure since its independence.

Guebuza made this remarks at the ceremony signaling the beginning of the construction of a major extension to Maputo's Joaquim Chissano Conference Center.

Budgeted at about 250 million U.S. dollars, the project is a partnership between the Chinese and Mozambican governments, which will be built over the next two years by the Chinese Anhui Foreign Economic Construction Group (AFECC).

The new complex will include a 290-room hotel and an international conference hall that can hold up to 2,000 people, and a banqueting hall with the capacity to serve 1,500 people.

Speaking at the ceremony, Guebuza remembered the difficult days after Mozambique's independence in 1975, when Chinese experts came to help rebuild the post-colonial country.

"Until now, Chinese experts are still with us, helping with the construction and development of Mozambique, and the welfare of Mozambican people," he added.

Guebuza also declared that tourism plays a role of great importance "by introducing us to different cultures," and as a factor attracting national and foreign direct investment.

The Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Li Chunhua said at the ceremony that Mozambique has a substantial development potential with its beautiful landscape and friendly people.

Mozambique has received a revenue of 91 million U.S. dollars from international tourism in the first half of 2013, according to the country's authority. Endi

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