On Wednesday China and Portugal promised to further their trade
ties and seek cooperation in more areas as Portuguese Prime
Minister Jose Socrates visited China for the first time since
taking office.
"Since the two countries established all-around strategic
partnership in 2005 China and Portugal have deepened their
political trust and witnessed rapid trade development," said
Premier Wen Jiabao, while hosting talks with
Socrates.
Wen proposed the two countries improve their trade structure and
encourage mutual investment and increase exchanges in culture,
education and science and technology.
Trade between China and Portugal surged to US$1.7 billion last
year. This is up 39 percent year-on-year.
In a visit to Portugal in 2005, Wen expressed the hope that
bilateral trade volume could double in three years. He said on
Wednesday that goal was expected to be achieved ahead of time.
The two countries also signed eight agreements covering areas
like trade, jurisdiction, education and science and technology
after the two leaders' one-hour talks.
On relations with the EU it was explained by Wen that China
would work closely with Portugal to finalize the Partnership
Cooperation Agreement talks which were officially launched on
January 17. Portugal will assume the rotating presidency of the EU
in the second half of 2007.
Wen said he hoped China and the EU, "Will enhance strategic
dialog, properly handle each other's concerns and expand pragmatic
cooperation in various fields."
(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2007)
