Harare — PRESIDENT Mugabe yesterday met a high-powered Chinese business delegation that is in Zimbabwe to explore investment opportunities and strengthen bilateral relations.

The 15-member delegation arrived in the country on Saturday last week.

Head of the delegation Mr Ji Peiding an advisor on Foreign Affairs to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China -- said his team's discussion with President Mugabe centred on bilateral issues.

"We discussed bilateral relations between China and Zimbabwe," he said.

Mr Ji hailed relations between the two countries.

"We have developed our relations the whole way politically, economically and culturally," he added.

Mr Ji said Zimbabwe was on a recovering path and wished the country the best in the political and economic spheres.

"Zimbabwe is enjoying stability and unity and we have already seen some positive signs. We wish Zimbabwe all the best," he said.

The delegation, which was accompanied by Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Xin Shunkang, met Vice President John Nkomo on Monday at his Munhumutapa Offices.

It has expressed interest in mining, infrastructure development and the medical field.

In recent years, China along with Russia, South Africa and other members of the progressive international community have blocked Western attempts to have the United Nations impose sanctions on Zimbabwe .

China has provided financial and technical support to Zimbabwe over the past decade when the country was severely affected by illegal Western sanctions.