Visiting Austria Federal Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel gave a speech here Friday, saying the country welcomes Chinese investment and is ready to boost trade ties with China.

Schuessel, who arrived in Shanghai Thursday evening, gave the speech at a Sino-Austrian trade forum held here Friday morning.

He described Austria as an "ideal" place for Chinese investors since it is at the heart of Europe and has good living and investment environment.

China's admission into the World Trade Organization will make it more transparent and open, which will certainly facilitate trade relations with Austria, said the chancellor.

China is Austria's largest Asian trade partner. The trade volume between the two countries exceeded 3 billion euros (3.87 billion US dollars) in 2004, which Schuessel hoped to double as soon as possible.

In the meeting with Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng, Schuessel said Austria is willing to provide assistance in environmental

protection and infrastructure to the city, which has been committed to improving the environment and living quality for its population of 17 million.

He also granted an award to Han Zheng for Shanghai's achievement in cleaning the Suzhou River.

Schuessel arrived in Beijing late Tuesday night, starting a week-long official visit to China aimed at promoting political and economic ties.

Source: Xinhua