Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu on Monday pledged to enhance trade cooperation with Czech, which is regarded as China's important trading partner in central and eastern Europe.

Hui made the remarks in a meeting with Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Martin Riman. Considering Czech as one of the first countries to set up diplomatic ties with China, Hui said his country attaches great importance to developing its cooperation with Czech, which is in the interests of the two peoples.

The two countries enjoy sound foundation and great potential for cooperation, and are highly compatible in economy, Hui said.

In recent years, China and Czech have expanded cooperation in various areas including trade, agriculture, technology, education and culture, the vice premier said.

Riman said his government spoke highly of the progress in bilateral cooperation, calling on the two sides to provide convenience for mutual investment and promote balance in bilateral trade.

The Czech government appreciates China's measures in protecting intellectual property rights, Riman said, adding he believes these measures will help expand investment of Czech enterprises in China.

The Czech minister is visiting China as guest of the Ministry of Commerce.

Source: Xinhua