The visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis pledged here Saturday to strengthen economic and trade cooperation between Greece and China, especially in such areas as port construction, aviation, tourism and mining industry.

Karamanlis made the remarks at a China-Greece economic and trade cooperation forum opened Saturday in Shanghai, China's largest metropolis.

In a meeting with Karamanlis, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng briefed the Greek prime minister about economic and social development of the city and the latest development in economic cooperation between Shanghai and Greece.

Karamanlis said this is his first ever visit to China after assuming office. The main purpose of his trip to Shanghai is to seek more cooperation opportunities between the two sides in trade and investment.

He invited Chinese enterprises to invest in Greece in various fields, especially in port construction and mining industry.

Shanghai and Greece enjoy frequent cooperation. Statistics show the import and export volume between the two sides in 2005 soared 120 percent year-on-year.

Karamanlis left Shanghai for home Saturday evening, wrapping up his three-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Source: Xinhua