SANYA - Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said Saturday that China's economy is growing rapidly and its experience in this regard is worth learning.

During an interview with Xinhua in the southern Chinese city of Sanya, Pena Nieto praised Chinese government's endeavors in developing the country's economy, as the world economy is in recession.

He said high-level mutual visits between Mexico and China will be further strengthened, including officials and entrepreneurs.

A special agency would be set up in the economic department of Mexican government to handle Mexico-China trade affairs, the president said.

He said that Mexico will also expand the cooperation to other fields, including sports, education, and science and technology.

"I hope to further introduce social and economic development of Mexico to Asia and the world at the 2013 Boao Forum for Asia, and further boost Mexico-China relationship," Pena Nieto added.

In a written interview with Xinhua on the eve of his visit to China, Pena Nieto pledged to upgrade the bilateral ties to achieve win-win cooperation.

"For Mexico, China represents an opportunity to increase its productive investment, and multiply and diversify its export capacity. China's economic dynamism, the size of its market and its high demand for goods, turn China into an attractive market for Mexico," he said.

Also Saturday, Petroleos Mexicanos signed a memorandum with China National Petroleum Corporation, in a bid to promote oil export from Mexico to China, and Pena Nieto expressed expectation for the petroleum companies from both sides to improve collaboration in oil exploitation and technology.

He also expressed hopes for bilateral cooperation in mineral field.

Pena Nieto started his state visit to China on Saturday. He will also attend this year's BFA, which will open on Sunday, in south China's Hainan Province.