PERU President Ollanta Humala called for closer business ties with China as he dangled several investment projects for Chinese companies yesterday.

The South American country is seeking Chinese funds to invest in construction of airports, railways, roads, metro, harbors, schools, gas pipelines, residential complexes and even an aquarium from now till 2016. Humala is also keen for Chinese firms to enter Peru's mining and energy industries.

"Asia and Latin America are economically active in a world of slow growth," Humala told an audience comprising local companies and investors in Shanghai. "Peru welcomes Chinese investment and expects the realization of an all-around strategic partnership with China."

Shanghai was the last stop of Humala's trip in China, during which he attended the Boao Forum in Hainan Province and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.