The excellent relations and the headway that has been made during the past two years were discussed in a bilateral meeting between China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister, Tonio Borg yesterday. Dr Borg is currently on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China.

Reference was made to the increasing cooperation between the two countries, reflected in the continually increasing number of high level visits and bilateral cooperation last year. A remarkable total of 12 bilateral agreements were signed during 2009.

Dr Borg also noted that there has been an increase in trade exchanges between the two countries in recent years. Although the trade gap is increasing for Malta, a significant increase was registered in Maltese exports to China in 2006. In 2008 bilateral trade between the two countries doubled when compared to 2005.

Commenting on the talks, Minister Borg stated that “I believe that we can deepen the already very strong cooperation that exists between the two countries for mutual benefit.” He added that “the visit was an excellent opportunity to exchange views on various matters and to identify further possible areas of cooperation.”

Minister Jiechi expressed his satisfaction that Malta was the only euro zone country to have witnessed an increase in trade with China during 2009, with a 9.7% increase being registered.

Both countries agreed that discussions on an Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of Academic Degrees are to start. Malta has invited a group of experts from China to visit Malta and familiarise themselves with Maltese systems of procedure. Dr Borg stated that “the education sector is of particular importance as evidenced by the fact that education is highlighted as one of the target sectors for development in Malta’s Vision 2015.” He added that the government was looking forward to receiving an early reaction to the invitation for a Chinese delegation to visit Malta to hold preliminary discussions on the subject.

The two countries also agreed to commence discussions on an updated Double Taxation Agreement. In this regard, a Maltese delegation will visit China in May and discuss technical matters. During this legislature, the Government of Malta has already signed 15 Double Taxation Agreements.