China and Italy agree to expand economic and other areas of cooperation

[News_Editor]

China and Italy agree to expand economic and other areas of cooperation

2010-10-08 07:37:30 GMT+7 (ICT)

ROME, ITALY (BNO NEWS) – China and Italy on Thursday agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, environment and culture after a meeting between Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

According to the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency, Wen met with Berlusconi during the second day of his visit to the European country. The Chinese official praised the good foundation for bilateral cooperation that the two countries share since establishing diplomatic ties about 40 years ago.

Wen said that China also expects high-level exchanges on all levels and promotion of political mutual trust. The Chinese Premier called for efforts to promote trade, enhance intellectual property rights protection, settle trade disputes, and oppose protectionism.

The cooperation should include cultural exchanges in order to encourage mutual understanding among citizens. Wen proposed the Chinese Cultural Year and cooperation in films, TV series and programs. Wen added that China will support Italy in successfully hosting the 2015 World Expo in Milan.

PM Berlusconi highlighted the important contributions to world economic recovery by the Asian country's rapid economic growth. He said that China has the best market for investment with great potential too.

In order to do so, Wen proposed that the two sides should coordinate for a better use of Italy's credit loans and thus bringing more Italian investment to the Asian giant. Berlusconi pledged to work closely with Chinese officials to provide more benefits to both countries' citizens.

Finally, Wen suggested further cooperation in technological innovations as these will be of mutual benefit by adding high-tech industries to joint technology parks, building technology transfer centers in China, and establishing an industrial design center.

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