Chinese Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan and visiting Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien Thursday hailed the completion of the third phrase of the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, the biggest cooperation project between China and Canada.

Zeng described the project as an "important milestone" in the history of economic cooperation between China and Canada.

At a ceremony marking the completion of the project in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province, Zeng said it was a great "success" and technology breakthroughs had been made in the project.

Extending the hope that the two countries would continue to enhance cooperation, Zeng said Canadian business people were warmly welcomed to seek opportunities and development in China.

Chretien said the completion of the project stemmed from the concerted efforts of technological staff from both countries.

He said the Canadian government valued ties with China, and was willing to promote exchanges and cooperation in fields like politics and economy.

Before the ceremony, the two leaders met and discussed investment and economic cooperation.

After the meeting, they attended a ceremony unveiling a monument marking the completion of the project.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2003)