There will be a range of complex issues to be discussed as part of the negotiation process: political, cultural and technical. And we have to consider whether and how aspects of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement should be updated. Of course there will be moments when we disagree, but we are impatient to get down to work with our Chinese counterparts in a positive spirit of cooperation.

I am optimistic that we will make real progress, and that the steering committee which will coordinate the negotiations will have initial practical results to report back to the next EU-China Summit later this year.

In 2007 we are setting out to intensify one of the world's most important partnerships. The negotiations we launch this week are one of the most important items on the European Union's agenda and, I trust, on China's. Together the EU and China can do more to reach their objectives and promote their interests than they ever would be able to achieve apart.

Benita Ferrero-Waldner is the European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighborhood Policy

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