Vice Minister of Commerce Gao Yan and Malta’s Minister of Economy, Investment and Small Business Christian Cardona co-chaired the 10th China-Malta Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Valetta, the capital city of Malta on May 24. The two sides exchanged views on issues of common concern such as implementing the consensus reached by the country leaders of both sides, docking the economic development strategies of both sides under the framework of “belt and road”, expanding the size of trade and investment, promoting the investment facilitation, strengthening practical cooperation and deepening China-EU trade and economic relations. Extensive consensus has been reached.

Gao Yan said the China-Malta trade and economic relations have sustained steady growth, especially that the two-way investment cooperation has become the highlight of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. The joint commission is the most important dialogue in inter-governmental trade and economic areas. The two sides should fully play its positive role and implement the consensus and fruits made by their country leaders in trade and economic areas. To further the China-Malta trade and economic cooperation, Gao Yan suggested: 1. Co-building the “belt and road” and strengthening the docking of economic development strategies; 2. Expanding the size of bilateral trade and investment; 3. Extending the pragmatic cooperation areas.

Cardona said the China and Malta have boasted their traditional friendship and the investment cooperation at present enjoys a rapid growth. He welcomed the Chinese business to expand its investment in Malta. The geographic position of Malta is important, and it would like to engage in “belt and road” construction and strengthen the bilateral cooperation in finance, maritime affairs, tourism and culture.