Senegal's Prime Minister Macky Sall pledged here Wednesday to enhance the friendly relations of cooperation with China and boost the two countries' economic and trade collaboration to a new high.

While meeting Chen Jian, assistant minister of commerce of China, Sall said the leaders of the two countries had decided to promote their cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, processing, mine-exploration and communication technology, and were optimistic about prospects for their economic and trade cooperation.

Sall proposed an early establishment of a joint trade and economic commission to ensure the smooth development of bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

He also expressed the hope that China would increase its imports of Senegal's fish, peanut oil and phosphate products, adding that Segenal's embassy in China would set up a trade and economic representative office.

Chen said the Chinese government attached great importance to the development of friendly relations with Senegal and firmly supported the two countries' economic and trade cooperation.

The Chinese government hoped the development of both countries could provide opportunities for both sides, he added.

Since China and Senegal resumed diplomatic relations in October 2005, their economic and trade ties have maintained a strong momentum, according to Chen.

In 2005, the bilateral trade volume amounted to 150 million U.S. dollars. In the first eight months of this year, the trade figure increased 30 percent over the same period last year, he said.

Chen said that apart from cargo trade, the two sides could enhance their cooperation in tourism, service, investment and technology, and set up an effective mechanism to work toward equilibrium in trade.

Also on Wednesday, the two governments signed agreements on agricultural technology training and maintenance of sports facilities.

Source: Xinhua