Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that China is willing to expand its economic and trade cooperation with Portugal.

"China pays great attention to economic and trade ties with Portugal and is ready to upgrade cooperation in this aspect to a higher level," Wen told Portugal President Jorge Sampaio, who is in China for a week-long state visit.

Wen said he hoped that the commerce agencies of both countries would offer more help and assistance to promote cooperation between companies through varied forms, "especially those of medium and small size," and encourage more two-way investments.

He also suggested the two sides to draw on each other's advantages to jointly explore the international market.

Wen's suggestion was echoed by Sampaio. He said Portugal is eager to work with China to push forward the bilateral economic and political ties.

The improvement of Portugal-China economic ties will not only boost political relations between the two countries, but help China promote relations with the European Union, he added.

He further suggested China sending its entrepreneurs to discuss details for cooperation.

During the meeting, Wen also recalled Macao's return to China in December 1999, saying that Sino-Portugal relations entered a new era after the two sides settled the issue through friendly consultation.

"China highly values its relations with Portugal. We appreciatethe Portuguese government's support to us in the Taiwan issue... We are willing to work together with Portugal to upgrade the bilateral relations," Wen said.

President Sampaio arrived in Beijing Tuesday evening as guest of President Hu Jintao. Besides Beijing, he will also travel to Shanghai, China's economic hub.

Sampaio visited China in January 1997 and attended the ceremonyof China resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Macao in December 1999.

Source: Xinhua