LA PAZ, April 1, 2010 (AFP) - Chinese and Bolivian officials Thursday signed an agreement to build Bolivia's first communications satellite, intended for domestic security, for launch in 2013.

The document was signed by the heads of the Bolivian space agency and China's Great Wall Corporation at the presidential palace.

"This communications satellite will help provide security for Bolivians," Bolivian President Evo Morales said. "With a satellite, it is possible to follow criminals in a way that humans cannot."

La Paz said the satellite, to be dubbed Tupac Katari after an indigenous leader who fought Spanish rule, will be made available for use by neighboring countries.

Bolivian media put the cost of building the satellite at 300 million dollars.