China will expand cooperation with Tajikistan in such fields as mining and agriculture in a bid to further bilateral ties, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Wednesday.

Sino-Tajik economic and trade cooperation is progressing in an all-round way and relevant government institutions on both sides have played important roles in directing such work, said President Hu, who is on his first state visit to the Central Asian country.

During his meeting with Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov, President Hu said the two sides should continue working closely so as to ensure the quality and timely completion of major cooperation projects.

The Chinese president also suggested that the two sides further such cooperation in the future.

Hu also expressed hope that Tajikistan would improve the investment and business environment for Chinese companies.

On agricultural cooperation, the Chinese leader offered to help Tajikistan by establishing agricultural technology centers and training experts.

For his part, Akilov thanked China for its economic support, saying cooperation in major projects involving transportation and electricity facilities was progressing well, with some of these already becoming important parts of the regional infrastructure system in Central Asia.

Tajikistan hopes to enhance cooperation with China in railway and road construction, mine exploration and personnel training, Akilov said, vowing to intensify efforts to improve the investment environment in his country.

(Xinhua News Agency August 28, 2008)