Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has met with the Mexican president and the country's congressional leaders. During the meetings on Friday, bilateral trade ties topped the agenda. The Chinese premier began his two-day official trip to Mexico on Friday, extending a string of recent diplomatic and economic successes during his North American tour.

 

Economic and trade ties between Mexico and China have been growing steadily, although there is a trade deficit in favor of China. While addressing the Mexican Senate, Premier Wen said China and Mexico can be partners in global trade. The Chinese premier also proposed a mechanism to create a win-win situation.

 

Later, Premier Wen went to the National Palace to attend a state dinner with Mexican President Vicente Fox. He said China presented Mexico with an opportunity, not a threat. The Mexican president also said Premier Wen's visit is part of a strategy by the Mexican government to develop closer ties with China.

 

The two leaders expressed their confidence that the two economies can work together to improve commercial ties in a mutually beneficial way.

 

Wen is also scheduled to visit the headquarters of Mexico's state-owned oil company, Pemex. Chinese firms have succeeded in winning contracts to do work for the company.

 

(CCTV.com December 13, 2003)