France eyes great potentials in economic cooperation with China

France and China share common or similar views in international affairs and there are great potentials for further cooperation in energy, transport and aviation, French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said Friday in Paris when meeting visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan.

Speaking highly of the great achievements that China has made in its reform and openning up, Raffarin said France is willing to build a closer partnership with China to further promote bilateral cooperation.

He also reiterated the French government's adherence to the one-China policy, noting that France will continue to play an active role in the EU in lifting the arms sales embargo on China and to give a full market economy status for China as soon as possible.

Zeng, on a five-day official visit to France, said that with joint efforts by the leaders of both sides, China and France have conducted all-round cooperation in politics, economy, trade, culture and technology.

China appreciates France's stance on the Taiwan issue and all the relevant active efforts it has made in the EU, said the Chinese vice premier.

He also stressed that good political ties have provided a solid foundation for the economic cooperation between China and France.

Noting that the two countries are mutually complementary in economy, Zeng expressed the belief that bilateral trade and economic cooperation will be further promoted.

The two sides signed after the meeting nine contracts and agreements in aviation, space, transport, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy.