China and Norway should tap the great potential for bilateral economic and trade cooperation, although the two countries have already had fruitful cooperation in a wide range of fields, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji told his Norwegian counterpart in Beijing Monday.

"The trade volume between China and Norway hit US$900 million last year, triple the figure a decade ago. However, it doesn't match the economic strength of the two countries," Zhu said while holding talks with visiting Norwegian Prime Minster Kjell Magne Bondevik, who arrived on Saturday for a five-day official visit.

Bondevik said that China has made remarkable achievements since it adopted the policy of reform and opening up to the outside world more than 20 years ago, and that China's economic development will speed up following its entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

This will lay a better foundation for trade and economic cooperation between Norway and China, Bondevik said, adding that the two sides could expand cooperation in such fields as shipping,telecommunications and environmental protection.

Zhu said China will continue to expand trade and economic cooperation with various countries, including Norway, following its entry into the WTO.

Zhu said he believed that thanks to Bondevik's current visit, greater progress will be made in cooperation between Chinese and Norwegian enterprises, especially small and medium-sized businesses, and this will be beneficial to both sides.

On bilateral relations in general, Zhu said that currently bilateral ties are progressing well, and increased exchanges between the two have enhanced mutual understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of fields. The two countries also have had close cooperation in the United Nations and other multilateral areas, he said.

They also exchanged views on environmental protection, human rights, religion and other regional and international issues of common interest, saying the two countries will strengthen cooperation on international issues.

After the talks, Zhu and Bondevik gave a joint press briefing.

Prior to the talks, Zhu hosted a welcoming ceremony to honor Bondevik, who is in Beijing at his invitation.

(Xinhua News Agency, January 22, 2002)