China, Venezuela Expand Co-operation

31/01/2005

China and Venezuela should implement co-operative projects in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure and high-technology, Vice-President Zeng Qinghong said in Caracas, capital of Venezuela on Saturday.

Since the two countries announced they would forge a strategic partnership for common development in 2001, Zeng said bilateral collaboration in various fields has advanced rapidly.

During Chavez's recent visit to China, leaders reached important consensus on laying a new foundation for furthering relations, he said.

Chavez agreed on Zeng's viewpoints, noting ties are based on equality, mutual benefit and respect. Co-operation in agriculture, energy, science and technology is developing rapidly, he said.

The Chinese economy is growing at a fast pace and Venezuela is also striving to develop its economy, offering a good opportunity for reinforcing co-operation, he said.

Also on Saturday, the two sides jointly issued a press communique, saying they were glad to see Venezuela's recognition of China's status as a full market economy during Chavez's 2004 visit.

They vowed to further develop and reinforce economic co-operation in a bid to create a long-term stable and fair trading environment.

Meanwhile, Zeng on Saturday urged to deepen mutually beneficial co-operation and seek common development.

At the China-Venezuela business seminar also held on Saturday, Zeng urged to deepen mutually beneficial co-operation and seek common development.

Zeng said China regards ties with Latin America from the strategic viewpoint of tightening unity and co-operation among developing nations, and is making practical efforts to enhance co-operation.

He said peoples of both Latin America and China will enjoy more practical benefits brought about by co-operation, since the economies are highly complementary and mutual political trust has been enhanced.