Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan called for enhanced economic and trade cooperation between China and Kenya while meeting with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki in Nairobi Wednesday.

In recent years cooperation between the two countries in politics, economy and trade, culture, education and tourism has strengthened, demonstrated by the increased trade volume of 300 million US dollars between China and Kenya last year, Zeng said.

China regards Kenya as an important partner and would further promote economic cooperation by encouraging Chinese companies to increase import from Kenya while invest more in the country, Zeng said. China will also continue to support Kenya's development projects, particularly in improving urban infrastructure, Zeng pledged.

President Kibaki thanked the Chinese government for being at the forefront in supporting Kenya's development projects.

Kibaki hoped that the Chinese government will extend its financial support and strengthen technical cooperation between the two countries in other key sectors of the economy.

"Kenya is trying to achieve rapid growth and continues to closely study development models that Asian countries like China used to achieve high economic growth rates within a short period of time. We hope as our development partner, you will help us achieve this goal," Kibaki said.

Kibaki expressed appreciation for China to grant Kenya the approved tourist destination status.

He hoped China could share with Kenya her experience in implementing e-government program aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and practical procedures in government offices.

On the same day, the Chinese vice premier also held bilateral talks with Kenyan Vice President Moody Awori at the vice president's office.

The two governments signed three cooperation agreements in technical, economic and energy sectors.