"We have Chinese companies building highways and hydroelectric plants, and we have oil and mining companies. So there is already investment here. But many more highly profitable projects are hugely important to the country's development," he said.

Tourism is one area with much room to grow, said Correa.

Ecuador, which ranks among the world's top five countries in biodiversity, received 18,200 Chinese visitors in 2017.

The two countries have established close ties in the past decade, as evident from China's role in relief efforts after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that devastated towns along Ecuador's north coast in April, killing 673 people.

As one of the first countries to supply humanitarian aid immediately after the quake, China furnished more than 5,000 tents for the homeless and nearly 10,000 cots, among other basic supplies, and donated 2 million dollars in cash.

"I only have words of gratitude to President Xi Jinping, his government, and all of the Chinese people for the great solidarity they showed Ecuador," Correa said.

【国内英语资讯:Interview: Ecuadorian president hopes Xis visit will boost bilateral cooperation】相关文章：

★ 熊猫粪便垒成的“维纳斯”卖出高价

★ 华为获Three网络管理合约

★ 茶餐厅连锁翠华控股香港上市首日股价飙升

★ 最新研究：散播流言也有好处？！（双语）

★ “哈利波特”捞金有术 跻身英国富豪榜

★ 韩国央行行长新思维搅动传统观念

★ 中投入股传闻推高戴姆勒股价

★ 嘉能可-斯特拉塔并购可能遭股东否决

★ 开发商日益看好Android 苹果优势缩小

★ 华为计划在诺基亚后院扩张业务