Sri Lankan President Bandaranalke Kumaratunga on Wednesday called on Sri Lankan and Chinese firms to further their cooperation in investment, trade and tourism.

While attending a seminar on China-Sri Lankan investment, tourism and trade in Beijing, Kumaratunga expressed hope that the two countries could set up more joint ventures and step up cooperation in power, transport and communications.

Kumaratunga started her state visit on August 30 at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, accompanied by a business delegation of about 40 people.

The delegation involves Sri Lankan businessmen from such industries as tourism, shipping and garments.

Kumaratunga highlighted the historical economic links between China and Sri Lanka, tracing them back to 600 years ago when the ancient Chinese navigator Zheng He voyaged to the South Asian nation at least five times. "The economic nexus was the most important," she added.

The president also appreciated China's role in the development of Asia and the world. "Sri Lanka trusts China to exercise responsibly and constructively its enormous power and influence," she said.

The seminar, sponsored by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, attracted over 200 businessmen from the two countries.

Source: Xinhua