Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari said on Wednesday China and his country shared great potential for cooperation and he hoped more Chinese enterprises would invest in its close neighbor.

"I have chosen China as my first official visit to tell the Chinese entrepreneurs I would like to give preferred treatment to you," Zardari told a Pakistan-China business forum here.

Noting Pakistan was a country waiting for investment, the self-described "first businessman president of Pakistan" urged Chinese entrepreneurs to go there to develop business.

Before addressing the business forum, Zardari met with Huang Mengfu, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce chairman.

Hailing Pakistan's old and friendly relationship with China, Zardari congratulated his host for successfully holding the Beijing Olympic Games and making great achievements in the exploration of the space. "We share those moments equally proudly knowing we are your brothers and your neighbors."

Zardari arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening for a four-day state visit, his first official visit abroad since assuming office last month.

(Xinhua News Agency October 16, 2008)