Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan on Wednesday called for China and Spain to expand bilateral trade, mutual direct investment and cooperation in equipment manufacturing.

Zeng made the remarks when meeting with Pedro Solbes, second Spanish deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, and his party.

He said the people of the two countries enjoy traditional friendship. The two countries have a sound foundation for cooperation in politics, economics and other fields, and have reached broad consensus on many important international issues, he noted.

The Chinese government says its relations with Spain are extremely important, Zeng said. Last year, the two heads of states visited the other's country and established a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Zeng expressed the hope that the two sides will set up a cooperation mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises, enhance exchanges in analyzing international economy, and jointly explore Latin American and African markets.

Zeng also briefed the guests about China's current economic situation and its eleventh five-year program (2006-2010). The two sides also conferred on issues of common concern such as the energy and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

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