Beijing, Aug 16 (IANS):  The deputy commander of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Armed Forces and crown prince of Abu Dhabi is on a two-day visit to China to boost bilateral ties, the WAM news agency reported Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is heading a business delegation here, Sunday visited the Beijing Economic and Technological Development Area (BDA).

BDA director Boxu Zhang briefed Sheikh Mohammed about the business centre, which was developed in 1994 covering an area of over 38 sq km.

The area will be expanded to over 200 sq km by 2020, said Boxu.

Till date, over 2,773 domestic and foreign companies in the communication, IT, biotechnology and car manufacturing sectors have set up their operations at the centre, investing about $19 billion, he said.

In addition, there are over 66 major global firms, which specialise in electronics and pharmaceuticals.

The crown prince also visited the institutions specialising in Chinese herbal medicines, the Forbidden City and the Bird's Nest 2008 Olympics Stadium.