Malta and China have agreed to continue working to improve trade between the two countries, which increased by 25 per cent in the past three years, Foreign Minister Tonio Borg said this morning.

In a joint statement with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Dr Borg said the increase was in spite of the international economic crisis.

Mr Yang, ends a two-day visit to Malta today. He called upon Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday.

His visit here marked 40 years of of bilateral relations between the two countries and will be commemorated by a number of events organised throughout the year.

He said his visit of one of "great importance".

Mr Yang said 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.

More Chinese tourists and students would be encouraged to visit Malta, which he described as a safe place and attractive for investment, he promised.

Other areas that could experience growth were sea transport, education, financial services, high value added manufacturing, energy and tourism, he said.