On Wednesday China and Portugal promised to further their trade ties and seek cooperation in more areas as Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates visited China for the first time since taking office.

"Since the two countries established all-around strategic partnership in 2005 China and Portugal have deepened their political trust and witnessed rapid trade development," said Premier Wen Jiabao, while hosting talks with Socrates.

Wen proposed the two countries improve their trade structure and encourage mutual investment and increase exchanges in culture, education and science and technology.

Trade between China and Portugal surged to US$1.7 billion last year. This is up 39 percent year-on-year.

In a visit to Portugal in 2005, Wen expressed the hope that bilateral trade volume could double in three years. He said on Wednesday that goal was expected to be achieved ahead of time.

The two countries also signed eight agreements covering areas like trade, jurisdiction, education and science and technology after the two leaders' one-hour talks.

On relations with the EU it was explained by Wen that China would work closely with Portugal to finalize the Partnership Cooperation Agreement talks which were officially launched on January 17. Portugal will assume the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of 2007.

Wen said he hoped China and the EU, "Will enhance strategic dialog, properly handle each other's concerns and expand pragmatic cooperation in various fields."

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2007)