Portuguese officials attending the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries, which closed Tuesday, said that the forum will deepen and substantiate the plan to close Portugal's economic and trade cooperation with China.

Jose Luis Arnaut, minister assistant to the prime minister of Portugal, said at a press conference held at the closure of the forum that Portugal will hold a series of activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties with China next year, which will include high-level exchange of visits among and gathering occasions for Chinese and Portuguese business people.

These activities, said Arnaut, will be a supplement for the forum to improve the bilateral relations between China and Portugal.

He also said that the permanent body of forum, which was agreed by the seven participating Portuguese-speaking countries to oversee the implementation of their trade commitments, is complementary to the Community of Portuguese Language Countries ( CPLP).

According to the Action Plan for Economic and Trade Cooperation signed between China and the seven Portuguese-speaking countries of Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and East Timor at the forum in Macao, member countries need to facilitate trade and investment to promote bilateral trade ties.

"CPLP has an important political basis, while the forum in Macao is aimed at promoting economic and trade cooperation among China and Portoguese-speaking countries, which not only gives the presence of Portuguese countries but the part played by China," said Arnaut.

He said that through this forum, not only bilateral relations but also multi-lateral relations will be strengthened. It will also be a gathering place for entrepreneurs from all sides.

"Being a member of EU, Portugal deems the forum as helpful to give prominence to the bilateral relations of Portugal and China," he said.

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