Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping is in Cuba for a two-day visit aimed at boosting economic ties between the two communist-run countries.

Officials say Xi will meet with Cuban President Raoul Castro on Sunday and sign accords on commercial and economic cooperation.

China is Cuba's second largest trading partner, after Venezuela. Trade between the two totaled about $1.8 billion last year

China's main exports to the Caribbean island nation include automobiles and electrical appliances, while Cuba mainly sells sugar to the Asian giant.

Following his trip to Cuba, the Chinese vice president heads to Uruguay and Chile.