China on Tuesday urged France to boost the two countries' trade ties, saying such ties should reach a level equivalent to their closer political relations.

The Sino-French ties have entered a new stage of development, said Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan while meeting with French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Nicolas Sarkozy.

Zeng, who arrived in Paris on Monday for a five-day official visit, said the political ties between China and France have been enhanced, and the economic and trade cooperation has witnessed continuous development with a huge potential.

Trade turnovers between China and France rose to US$13 billion in 2003, up 61 percent over the previous year, said the Chinese vice premier.

China attaches great importance to trade and scientific cooperation with France, he said, urging the two sides to step up cooperation in the areas of transportation, nuclear energy and aviation.

He also said the two sides need to seek cooperation in areas like small enterprises and high technology.

Sarkozy, for his part, said the French side admires and appreciates China's economic achievements and its constructive role in world affairs.

France and China have developed closer political and economic relations, he said, adding that France is ready to make joint efforts with China to settle some problems in big cooperation projects.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2004)