LIMA, Nov. 1 -- Peru is willing to further deepen cooperation with China by striking deals in various fields, the country's top lawmaker said here Thursday.

       Congress President Luis Gonzales-Posada said in an exclusive interview with a local Chinese-language magazine that trade volume between the two countries has increased and China has become Peru's number-one trading partner in the past several months.

       A free trade agreement between Peru and China would play an important role in promoting bilateral trade. However, since such a deal is not definitive in overall economic development, the two countries need cooperation agreements in various fields, the legislator said.

       Peru would take into account its own actual circumstances when signing free trade deals to ensure these agreements are conducive to its economic development and people's well-being, he added.

       The legislator also welcomed more Chinese investment and said Peru would grasp the chance of hosting next year's APEC meeting in a bid to present the country to the outside world and attract more foreign investment.

       On the 2008 Olympic Games to be held in Beijing, Gonzales said Peru would like to deepen its cooperation with China in sports by inviting Chinese coaches to the country.