Trade between Malta and China increased by 25 per cent over the past three years, despite the international economic crisis, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg said.

Both countries agreed to continue working towards improving trade figures.

In a joint statement with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Dr Borg said both countries agreed to continue working towards improving these figures.

Mr Yang, who ended his two-day visit to Malta yesterday, is the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Malta. His visit marked 40 years of bilateral relations between the two countries, which will be celebrated through a number of events organised throughoutthe year.

Mr Yang described his visit as being of “great importance”, one in which an exchange of views took place on the bilateral relations between the two countries along with regional and international affairs.

He pointed out he had met Dr Borg on many occasions and had a good personal and working relationship with him. He also expressed his satisfaction about Malta’s role in promoting the EU-China partnership. Mr Yang said more Chinese tourists and students would be encouraged to visit Malta, which he described as a safe place and attractive for investment.

Sea transport, education, financial services, high value added manufacturing, energy and tourism were also areas that could experience growth between the two countries, he said.