Investment deal a work in progress

China-EU discussions to pave the way for leaders' summit in Beijing

Vice-Premier Ma Kai and his European counterparts are expected to start preparatory work in Brussels on Thursday and Friday to pave the way for a long-awaited investment agreement next month, when leaders from the two sides will hold a summit in China.

Ma - the most senior Chinese leader visiting Brussels this year - will also chair the High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue on Thursday, a key bilateral exchange platform.