Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan stressed in Barcelona Tuesday the importance of strengthening relations between China and Spain and put forward a five-point proposal to promote bilateral ties.

At the opening ceremony of the China-Spain Forum, held in Barcelona from Tuesday to Wednesday, Zeng said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 31 years ago, bilateral exchanges in politics, economy, culture and sports have been strengthened and friendly ties been deepened.

He said that the meeting, which will discuss bilateral relations, economic cooperation, cultural innovation and preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, is very meaningful to fully promoting Sino-Spanish relations.

Zeng said that as China is the largest developing country in the world and Spain is one of the developed countries, their economies are mutually complementary and have great potential for future cooperation.

Zeng stressed that to promote bilateral ties in all fields is not only in the interests of both countries, but also beneficial to China's cooperation with the European Union and the Spanish-speaking countries.

Outlining his five-point proposal on bilateral relations, Zeng said that first, China and Spain should make full use of their respective advantages to promote trade and economic cooperation.

He added that the two countries should increase mutual investment. For this purpose, they should both improve their business environment. While China should continue to improve its infrastructure and protect intellectual properties, Spain should make efforts to promote bilateral trade and investment.

Zeng said that small and medium-sized companies in each country should strengthen cooperation and both governments should establish a mechanism to help them.

In addition, he said that China and Spain should increase exchanges and cooperate in technology, education, culture, tourism and sports.

Zeng, who arrived in Spain last Saturday for a four-day official visit, met with Spanish King Juan Carlos I and Prime Minister Jose Zapatero on Monday.

The China-Spain Forum is a non-governmental organization, aimed to promote understanding and friendship between the two countries and their people.

The first meeting of the forum was held in Beijing on Dec. 18, 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency December 1, 2004)