China and EU build high-level economic and trade dialogue

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and the European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso announced the start-up of Sino-EU high-level economic and trade dialogue on Friday at a press conference in Beijing.

During the two-hour talks, a series of agreements have been reached by the two sides on issues such as continuing to boost Sino-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, maintaining high-level contacts and consultations, expanding economic and trade cooperation, jointly promoting the Doha round talks process.

In terms of sustainable development, both sides agreed to upgrade the mode for scientific and technological cooperation, strengthen cooperation on energy efficiency, emissions reductions, environmental protection, climate change and technological innovation.

Meanwhile, China and the EU would deepen cooperation on product quality and food safety, in order to safeguard the basic interests of people in both countries, and promote communication and youth exchanges, according to the two leaders.

It is Barroso's fourth visit to China since he took office in November 2004.