Scenery of Boao, south China's Hainan,China

The 2018 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is scheduled for April 8-11 in Boao, a town in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan.

Photo taken on March 23, 2018 shows the Inaugural Ceremony Site of Boao Forum for Asia, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province.

Aerial photo taken on March 23, 2018 shows the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Convention Center on Dongyu Island, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province. 

People visit Nanqiang Village in Boao Town, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province. 

Photo shows the night view of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Convention Center in Boao Town, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province. 

Photo shows a family inn at Nanqiang Village in Boao Town, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province. 

Photo shows the view of Shamei Village in Boao Town, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province.

Aerial photo shows the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Convention Center in Boao Town, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province.

Photo shows a view at Mocun Village in Boao Town, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province. 

Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong on Thursday urged the European Union (EU) to join hands with China in promoting the sound development of bilateral economic and trade ties.

Commenting on a possible trade agreement between the two sides following German delegations' recent visits to China at a press briefing in Beijing, He said China has always held an opening attitude toward trade ties with the EU.

"China and the EU are important economic and trade partners. Over the years, their cooperation has been built on a solid foundation, with strong growth momentum and deeply interwoven supply and industrial chains, forming a pattern of complementary strengths and mutual benefit. China has always maintained an open attitude toward bilateral trade arrangements with the EU and welcomes relevant proposals from European leaders," the spokesman said.

He underscored China's openness to deeper cooperation, but also cautioned that recent EU practices have posed challenges for Chinese enterprises.

"However, the EU has employed various trade tools including investigation to restrict Chinese enterprises over the recent years. We hope the EU will listen more to the voices of its member states and industries, abandon protectionist practices, and work with China in the same direction, replacing barriers with openness and cooperation, resolving frictions through dialogue and consultation, and jointly promoting the sound development of China-EU economic and trade relations," He said.

Chinese ministry of commerce urges EU to work with China for sound trade growth