China is a responsible country and will observe its commitments to the World Trade Organization, said Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi in Beijing Monday.

Wu told Finnish Trade and Development Minister Paula Lehtomaeki that China attaches importance to the protection of intellectual property rights, which helps create a better environment for foreign investors and is conducive to domestic economic development.

Wu said China and Finland have maintained good relations and high-level exchanges have been frequent.

She noted that China and Finland are complementary in economy and relevant cooperation has developed rapidly. She voiced her hope that enterprises from the two countries expand cooperation in forestry, paper making and infrastructure.

Lehtomaeki said her delegation members include entrepreneurs from over 20 big companies specializing in energy resources, environment and forestry. This demonstrates that Finnish government and business circle are interested in the Chinese market.

China's investment environment has been greatly improved in recent years, she said, adding that Finland hopes to enhance economic and trade cooperation with China to contribute to the relationship between the Europe Union and China.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2004)