国内英语新闻:China proposes measures to assist less-developed Portuguese-speaking countries

Up to now, China has held more than 200 training programs for Portuguese-speaking countries, which successfully trained over 2, 100 officials and technique personnel for the countries.

Referring to future cooperation, Wen emphasized that the two sides should expand bilateral trade scale, striving to reach a total of 100 billion U.S. dollars of trade volume in 2013; push forward two-way investment; actively explore new fields of cooperation; and fully exert the role of Macao as a platform for and link between the two sides.

The third Ministerial Conference of the Forum was graced for the first time by the heads of state and government, and it has become a unique opportunity to promote the trade and investment development between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, said Jose Socrates, prime minister of Portugal, in his speech delivered at the opening ceremony.

No one should let go such an opportunity, Socrates added.

The strengthened cooperation those countries forged under the framework of the forum will contribute to the harmonious development of nations and the regions, Socrates said.

For his part, Jose Ramos-Horta, President of Timor Leste, said in his speech at the opening ceremony that when the first Ministerial Conference of the Forum took place in 2003, Timor Leste has benefited from Forum activity, in economic and trade cooperation, cooperation in human resources, intergovernmental and agricultural cooperation, and building infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment.

Meanwhile, the excellent relations between Timor-Leste and China have deepened, both within the plan of aid for development and commercial relations, he also said.

Around 1,500 officials and representatives from China and the seven Portuguese-speaking countries participated in the conference, according to the secretariat of the forum.

Under the main theme "Diversified Cooperation, Harmonious Development", various activities will be held during the conference period, including the "Ministerial Conference" and the "Conference for Professionals in Finance".