Jia Qinglin (1st R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), holds talks with Chinese entrepreneurs in South Africa in Pretoria, South Africa, on March 30, 2010. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

PRETORIA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- China called on its businesses to explore the African market and deepen cooperation with African businesses.

Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin made the call on Tuesday evening in a seminar with representatives of more than 10 Chinese businesses based in South Africa.

Jia, the chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China's top advisory body, was making an official goodwill visit to the country at the southern tip of the African continent.

Jia extended warm greetings and good wishes to the representatives of the Chinese businesses in South Africa, praising their hard work and wisdom.

By the end of 2009, the Chinese businesses, which ranged from mineral exploration and machinery to textile and garment, had invested a total of 7 billion U.S. dollars in South Africa, setting up over 100 companies and involving a Chinese staff of about 3,000 people, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Jia urged these businesses to improve their expertise and competitiveness, observe local laws and assume social responsibilities so as to ensure the profile of the businesses and the motherland.

Jia said the Chinese businesses in South Africa should carry forward China-Africa traditional friendship and tap the potential of economic cooperation.

South Africa is the last leg of Jia's 10-day African tour which has already taken him to Cameroon and Namibia.

During his stay in Cape Town and Pretoria, Jia had met with South African President Jacob Zuma and held talks with Mninwa Mahlangu, the chairman of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa.

Jia will leave Pretoria on Thursday morning to conclude his African trip.