The third meeting of China-Spain forum, a high-level institution
set by the two countries, is to be held in Shanghai from March
21-22, focusing on facilitating bilateral trade cooperation,
sources said Sunday.
Nearly 200 representatives from the two countries' relevant
ministries and local governments will join the two-day meeting,
with the theme of all-round cooperation and mutual benefits.
Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for
Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), told Xinhua the
participants will discuss ways to deepen China-Spain cooperation in
various fields, and especially the trade and economic field.
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The forum was established in July 2003 as a non-official,
high-level institution composed of four committees of economy,
politics, culture and education. The forum holds its annual meeting
in China and Spain in turn.
The Chinese Chairman of the forum is now Hu Qili, a former vice
chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's
Political Consultative Conference, and the Spanish Chairman is Juan
Antonio Samaranch, honorary president of the International Olympic
Committee.
The two chairmen and Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel
Moratinos will address the opening ceremony of the meeting, Chen
said.
"The upcoming meeting added two committees of local government
and law, aimed at promoting bilateral cooperation in an all-round
way." Chen said.
Participants are expected to discuss cooperation in the fields
of common interests such as energy, tourism and environmental
protection. A China-Spain entrepreneurs' summit is to be held on
the sidelines of the meeting, Chen said.
"The two sides will also share experience on holding the Olympic
Games." Chen said, expressing his hope that the China-Spain forum
would promote smooth development of bilateral ties.
The first and second meetings of the forum were held in Beijing
and Barcelona in December 2003 and November 2004, respectively.
(Xinhua News Agency March 20, 2006)
