Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika (5th R Rear) is present at the China-Algeria forum for economic cooperation in Beijing, Nov. 7, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika addresses the China-Algeria forum for economic cooperation in Beijing, Nov. 7, 2006. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery >>>

    BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Tuesday called for Chinese investment in Algeria.

    Algeria and China are good friends, and entrepreneurs of the two countries should make joint efforts to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said Bouteflika while attending the opening ceremony of a forum on China-Algeria economic cooperation held in Beijing.

    As many as 230 entrepreneurs from China and Algeria attended the forum.

    Bouteflika said the economies of the two countries are complementary. Bilateral cooperation will be longtime and bear win-win fruits as China has successful economic development experiences, advanced technologies and capital, while Algeria has good investment environment and rich resources, he added.

    He hoped cooperation between Algeria and China will serve as a model for Africa-China cooperation and South -South cooperation.

    In a speech at the ceremony, Vice Minister of Commerce Wei Jianguo said China encourages entrepreneurs to invest in Algeria, which is regarded as a good brother, friend and partner of China.

    Bouteflika arrived here on Friday for the landmark Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held on Nov. 4-5.

    Algeria established diplomatic ties with China in December 1958. Bilateral trade topped 1.77 billion U.S. dollars in 2005.