Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Seoul on Wednesday that China was willing to further open its market to South Korea and increase imports from the neighboring country.

Wen said both countries should implement the joint research report on long- and medium-term cooperation, improve bilateral economic and trade cooperation and the mechanism for dialogue and create a more convenient and efficient trade environment.

He said they should try to achieve the goal of annual trade volume of US$200 billion as early as possible.

In November 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun agreed that the trade volume between the two countries should increase to US$200 billion in 2012.

Wen made the remarks at luncheon with entrepreneurs from both countries.

He suggested both sides continue to optimize trade structure and expand trade on agricultural products, high-tech and service products.

China appreciated South Korea's efforts to correct the trade deficit on the Chinese side, and hoped that South Korea would further lower importing barriers to let more Chinese products enter its market.

Wen arrived here on Tuesday morning for his first visit to South Korea as a premier. He held talks with his South Korean counterpart, Han Duck-soo, and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun on Tuesday, and attended the opening ceremony for the China-South Korea Exchange Year.

He will leave for Japan on Wednesday and is scheduled to conclude his current two-nation Asia tour on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)