China and the six Gulf Co-operation Council countries have held their first round of talks on establishing a free trade area.

In two days of talks over the weekend in the Saudi capital Riyadh, the two sides held preliminary discussions on issues including cargo trade, tariff reductions and exemptions as well as intellectual property rights protection.

A Chinese delegation member says a free trade agreement between China and the Gulf Co-cooperation Council will further enhance trade ties and bolster investment.

A representative from the Gulf Co-cooperation Council says the two sides will sign the agreement on establishing the free trade area by the end of this year.

The Gulf Co-cooperation Council groups six gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

(CRI.com April 25, 2005)