China and Chile Tuesday agreed to expand trade and investment.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with visiting Chilean President Sebastian Pinera during their meeting in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 16, 2010. Hu jintao held talks with Sebastian Pinera at the Great Hall of the Pople in Beijing on Tuesday. [Liu Weibing/Xinhua]

Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with his Chilean counterpart Sebastian Pinera, who is on a three-day state visit to Beijing, in the Great Hall of People, followed by the signing of three agreements on economic cooperation.

Hu suggested the two countries diversify and expand trade ties by boosting cooperation in areas like agriculture, science and technology, mineral development, light industry, household appliances and machinery.

"I believe your visit will give stronger impetus to China-Chile comprehensive cooperative partnership," said Hu.

Pinera, on his first China visit since taking office as Chilean president in March, said he was always "full of passion" to enhance pragmatic cooperation with China.

Pinera's visit came when the two countries marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. China and Chile forged a comprehensive cooperative partnership in 2004.