During his meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi on Tuesday afternoon, visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji said space remains for the countries to expand cooperation as both are now members of the World Trade Organization.

Zhu said the Chinese Government encourages direct business exchanges between the countries, hoping they will play a major role in economic cooperation.

Zhu also held talks with King Mohammed VI yesterday before leaving for Casablanca to meet Moroccan business representatives.

According to official statistics, the trade total between the countries reached US$384 million last year, with Chinese exports contributing heavily to the overall figure. Fishery is the most important sector in the trade relationship.

Youssoufi said the discussions were candid and both sides have shown sincerity and a strong wish to strengthen ties and improve trade.

Youssoufi said he and Zhu both believe economic, trade and financial ties will continue to improve and prosper.

Zhu said China has put forward concrete measures for a more balanced development of trade, but did not elaborate.

China also hopes to further develop trade with other African countries.

According to a Chinese spokeswoman, Zhu said during Tuesday's meeting that China will actively explore new ways and areas for economic cooperation with Africa on the basis of equality and reciprocity.

Zhu's remarks are a renewal of a pledge made during the 2000 Forum on China-African Cooperation when China and African countries said they will work for common prosperity and development.

(China Daily August 29, 2002)