China hopes to upgrade Sino-Croatian economic and trade relations to a new level through joint efforts from both sides, said Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi in Beijing Monday.

Wu, at a meeting with Croatian Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Social Welfare Andrija Hebrang and his party, pointed to the sound growth of bilateral economic and trade ties with increasing bilateral trade volume and said it is the common aspiration of both countries to strengthen their cooperation.

Wu also said China and Croatia have had very good cooperation in medical and health fields, expressing her conviction that such cooperation will make still greater growth with efforts from both sides.

Hebrang noted that Croatia and China enjoy good relations and smooth cooperation in economy, trade and health, and his country welcomes Chinese investment.

During the meeting, they also had an exchange of views on furthering bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, tourism, health and pharmacy.

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2004)