Chinese vice premier: Sino-Spanish economic ties to be strengthened

Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan has told Spanish hosts that the Sino-Spanish relations are of significance and China will continue to strengthen the economic ties.

Zeng, who arrived in Spain last Saturday for a four-day official visit, has met with Spanish King Juan Carlos I, Prime Minister Jose Zapatero and held talks with Spanish businessmen.

Zeng told Spanish hosts that China attaches strategic importance to further cooperation with Spain, especially on trade, technology and investment.

Zeng spoke highly of Spain's role in the world, saying Spain is one of the most important countries in Europe, the Spanish language is the third most popular language and the Spanish culture retains extensive influences over world civilization.

To promote bilateral economic ties in all fields is not only in the interests of both countries, but also beneficial to China's cooperation with the European Union and the Latin American countries, said Zeng.

He called on the two countries to make full use of their respective advantages, such at China's competitive edge in manufacturing industry and Spain's advanced technology, to promote mutual beneficial cooperation and explore world market together.

Companies in each country should also enhance cooperation in extensive fields and both governments should establish coordinated mechanisms to help them, said Zeng.