Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Slovakian counterpart Robert Fico encouraged in Helsinki, Finland yesterday enterprises of both sides to invest more in each other, to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation.

 

At a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, Wen told Fico that China attached great importance to bilateral trade and economic cooperation, and would continue to expand imports from Slovakia.

 

China encourages its enterprises to invest in Slovakia, and welcomes Slovakian enterprises to do the same in China, Wen was quoted as saying by Chinese diplomats who attended the meeting.

 

For his part, Fico said Slovakia was willing to participate in the development of energy, agriculture and forestry in China, the diplomats said.

 

Chinese enterprises were also welcome to increase investment in high value-added industries in Slovakia, like the information industry, Fico said.

 

The two leaders also highlighted the partnership between the two countries, voicing their support for developing an all-around strategic partnership between China and Slovakia.

 

Wen arrived in Helsinki Saturday for the two-day ASEM summit, which marks ASEM's 10th anniversary and has gathered heads of state or government from 13 Asian countries and the 25 member states of the EU, including Fico.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 12, 2006)