Chinese President Hu Jintao has hailed the rapid development of business ties between China and Sweden.

Before concluding his three-day visit to Sweden, the Chinese president also calls for further efforts to enlarge bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

CRI Reporter Chen Xi has the details.

Speaking at a welcome dinner hosted by the Sweden-China Trade Council, Hu Jintao notes that businesses are the main participants in trade exchanges between the two countries and a major force driving the growth of bilateral relations.

"Thanks to our joint efforts over the past half century and more, the relationship between China and Sweden has matured. The expanding business and trade ties are an important aspect of bilateral relations."

He adds that China has been Sweden's largest trading partner in Asia for four years running. There are active mutual investments and technological exchanges, covering shipping, telecommunications, machinery, light industry and environmental protection.

He also commends the positive roles of many Swedish enterprises in China, including Ericsson, Volvo, Electrolux and Ikea, which are popular among the Chinese people.

According to official statistics, there are nearly 850 Swedish investment projects in China by April 2007, with a total paid-in capital of over 1 billion US dollars. Meanwhile, China has signed over 1,000 contracts worth 10 billion dollars to import Swedish technologies and equipment.

The Chinese president also says that China appreciates the important role played by the Nordic countries in international affairs and will continue to work with them to uphold world peace and promote common development.

He says the Nordic countries are noted for their love for peace, their commitment to development and cooperation, their active participation in international affairs, and the generous assistance they provide to developing countries.

"In the face of deepening economic globalization, the Nordic countries have made timely adjustments to industrial structures and vigorously promoted scientific innovation and the development of knowledge-based economy, thus leading the world in international competitiveness and innovation."

Hu Jintao has expressed his hope that the business communities of the Nordic countries will seize the opportunity to increase their share of the Chinese market in the future.

Chen Xi, CRI News.