Fijian Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase will end his six-day working visit to China today after sealing a technological and economic cooperation deal. 

Speaking at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday, Premier Wen Jiabao told his Fijian guest that China is willing to expand trade cooperation with the South Pacific nation in the fields of agriculture, fishing and infrastructure construction.

Wen said exchanges between the countries' leaders, parliaments and parties had become more frequent in recent years and noted that bilateral trade volume had also increased.

Wen also proposed the setting up of an economic development cooperative forum between China and Pacific island nations to enhance trade exchanges.

China and Fiji are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

He said China appreciates the Fijian government's adherence to the one-China policy and their support for China's reunification.

Laisenia Qarase agreed with Wen's remarks on bilateral relations and backed his suggestion for a trade forum.

(China Daily June 30, 2005)