The European Union and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in customs affairs and intellectual property rights protection.

Both sides hope to sign an agreement on customs administration mutual-aid as soon as possible.

This was the results of talks between Frits Bolkestein, EU internal market commissioner and Mou Xingsheng, Director of China's General Administration of Customs. Bolkestein says the EU and China are important trade partners. The agreement will be conducive to bilateral trade development.

Mou Xingsheng points out that with the increase of trade between China and EU, both customs administrations should establish a cooperative relationship in line with bilateral political and economic ties. The Chinese government pays much attention to the protection of intellectual property rights and has publicized many related laws and regulations in recent years.

(cri.com June 28, 2003)