Wen's visit to further promote Sweden-China ties

STOCKHOLM - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Sweden will further boost bilateral relations, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said, pointing out that both sides will ink a package of agreements.

"We have recently intensified our cooperation in a number of areas including innovation, research and development, trade, culture and sustainable development," Reinfeldt said in a recent written interview with Xinhua.

He said that during Premier Wen's visit, the two sides will sign a series of agreements in such areas as environmental protection and energy conservation.

Reinfeldt said bilateral relations have strengthened and developed in a wide range of areas since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1950. "Exchanges are on-going between our governments, universities, businesses and through people-to-people contact," he said.

"China is Sweden's largest trading partner in Asia and our trade is steadily increasing. There are around 10,000 Swedish companies which trade with China and around 500 Swedish companies established in China," said Reinfeldt, adding that so all in all, the relations are developing in a positive way.

Besides, Reinfeldt stressed that Sweden and China will discuss how to further develop the partnership in the field of sustainable development - an area where many countries see important challenges when trying to combine economic growth with care for environment and climate.

But the visit will also cover a number of other matters that will determine the future bilateral relationship, such as trade and political issues as well as innovation, research and development, the prime minister said.

He said that there are many areas with potential for future cooperation, including trade, cooperation in research, development and innovation policies, environmental technology, corporate social responsibility, among others.

"Swedish companies offer a broad spectrum of know-how, products and services in advanced environmental technology, bio fuels or sustainable urban development," Reinfeldt said, adding that he expected that bilateral relations will develop in all these areas.

The Chinese premier arrived in Sweden's Gothenburg port city Monday afternoon for an official visit to the country.

Sweden is the third leg of his four-nation tour in Europe, which took him to Iceland and Germany. He will also travel to Poland.