Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio starts his eight-day China trip on Tuesday at the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao.

The main purpose of the visit is to reinvigorate bilateral economic ties and expand cooperation in trade, investment and tourism, Sampaio told Xinhua News Agency in an interview before his departure.
 
Sampaio will visit Beijing, Shanghai and Macao during his trip, accompanied by Economic Activities and Labor Minister Alvaro Barreto, Foreign Affairs and Portuguese Communities Minister Antonio Monteiro and a delegation of more than 100 business people.

Representatives of the two countries expect to sign new accords on economic cooperation and discuss proposed agreements in the areas of science, technology and culture.

The visit, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of Macao's return, reflects the good political ties between Portugal and China, said Sampaio.

Portugal plans to set up a consulate in Shanghai to boost the development of business, trade and tourism.

Sampaio visited China in 1997 and was present at the Macao handover ceremony in 1999.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2005)