Colombia hopes to enhance its relations with China, mainly in economy and trade, Colombia President Alvaro Uribe has said.

The president made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua on the eve of his first official visit to China, scheduled for early-April.

Describing the 25-year-plus diplomatic relations between the two countries as "very good," the president noted the two economies need further integration. "We hope China will greatly increase its investment in Colombia," he said.

For China, "there are great opportunities to invest in coal, oil and textiles," Uribe said.

Colombia has worked out a series of tax incentives for foreign investors, and the investment environment in Colombia has markedly improved, he added.

According to him, over the past two years, private investment in Colombia has grown 23 percent, showing that it is a good moment for Chinese investors to enter Colombia.

On China's role in the global economy, Uribe said the economic growth of China is a great engine of the world economy. "We want China to continue to grow stronger," he said.

On the Taiwan question, Uribe said his government respects China and recognizes the historical unity of the Chinese nation.

Uribe said his China tour has multiple goals, including cementing friendship with the Chinese government and people, appreciating the history, culture and achievements of China, and above all, improving bilateral economic and diplomatic ties.

Source: Xinhua