Chinese premier vows to promote agricultural cooperation with Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao vowed on Sunday to boost agricultural cooperation with Argentina so as to enrich the bilateral strategic partnership.

Wen made the pledge during a meeting with Argentine agricultural officials and representatives at a farm near the capital Buenos Aires.

Both China and Argentina are large agricultural countries, with each boasting different competitive advantages, said Wen.

He pointed out that the two countries' agriculture industries are highly complementary, given Argentina's rich resources, advanced technologies and China's huge market potential.

Bilateral agricultural trade was about 5.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2011, and most were exports from Argentina to China, according to Chinese customs figures.

China is ready to expand agricultural trade with Argentina, and increase mutually-beneficial cooperation in the investment, infrastructure and research in the agriculture sector, Wen said.

The Argentine officials and representatives said, Wen's visit will give a powerful boost to bilateral ties, especially cooperation between the agricultural sectors.

The visit will also bring more tangible benefits for both countries and further consolidate bilateral friendship, they said.

Wen arrived here on Saturday for his first official visit to the South American state.