China and Sweden signed agreements on trade and environmental protection yesterday as President Hu Jintao wound up his visit to the Scandinavian country.

 

Hu and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt witnessed the signing of the pacts after official talks in the Swedish capital, where Hu paid a state visit at the invitation of King Carl XVI Gustav, who made a state visit to China last July.

 

It was the first visit ever by a Chinese head of state since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1950.

 

"China appreciates Sweden for its free-trade policies and its support for China's complete market economy status," Hu said.

 

He made a five-point proposal on enhancing bilateral ties:

 

Strengthen political dialogue at various levels;

 

Deepen economic and trade cooperation in such areas as telecommunications, environmental protection and biotechnology;

 

Expand personnel and cultural exchanges;

 

Coordinate in international affairs, particularly in United Nations reform, sustainable development, poverty relief and promotion of free trade;

 

Expand understanding and common ground.

 

China is Sweden's largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade worth US$6.7 billion in 2006, an 18 percent increase from the previous year.

 

Hu flew to Sweden on Friday on a three-day visit after attending the outreach session of the Group of Eight summit in Heiligendamm, Germany.

 

(China Daily June 11, 2007)