Chinese President Hu Jintao's upcoming visit to Peru and participation in the APEC economic leaders' meeting will boost bilateral ties between Peru and China, Peruvian First Vice President Luis Giampietri said Wednesday.

Peru and China have kept a traditional friendly relationship, and Hu's visit will be a good opportunity to boost bilateral relations, Giampietri told Xinhua.

China is a market with great potential as it has a large population and enjoys rapid economic growth, he said, adding that a free trade agreement, which Peru and China are negotiating, will facilitate bilateral trade if reached.

The Chinese president is scheduled to arrive in Lima later Wednesday for a state visit to the South American nation and the 16th Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, scheduled for Nov. 22-23.

Hu's upcoming visit has become a front-page story on many leading Peruvian newspapers. Local media reports said his visit will promote the bilateral ties between Peru and China, their economic and trade links as well as mutual understanding between their peoples.

(Xinhua News Agency November 20, 2008)