Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting British Prime Minister David Cameron held talks in Beijing on Tuesday, pledging to deepen mutual trust and boost bilateral ties in joint efforts.

At the invitation of Wen, Cameron was paying a two-day official visit to China, accompanied by a group of high-rank officials and some 50 leading UK industry and commerce figures. It was Cameron' s first trip to China after taking office in May.

During their talks, Wen hailed the economic cooperation between the two countries and depicted broad prospects for bilateral economic ties.

"U.K. enterprises are welcome to take advantage of the opportunity as China is readjusting its industrial structure and changing its growth mode," Wen said, adding that UK businesses can work more closely with Chinese partners to do business in high-end manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, financial services, energy conservation and other sectors.

Wen said he hopes British entrepreneurs would give more attention to west China, where, as he said, "unlimited" business opportunities are hidden.

Further, Premier Wen urged the British side to lift restrictions on exports of high-tech products to China, which is conducive to balancing bilateral trade and keeping it growing in a sustainable way.

As a member of the World Trade Organization, China is seriously honoring its commitment and keeps opening up it market, Wen said, adding that "We welcome all enterprises that conform to China's industrial policies."

"All the companies registered and run in accordance with Chinese laws are looked on as Chinese enterprises and can enjoy national treatment," he said.

Furthermore, Wen expected the two countries would conduct more exchanges in terms of education and culture among others, to advance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and British people. He also urged the British government to simplify and facilitate visa issuing procedures for Chinese applicants.

Cameron echoed Wen, saying that the British government cherishes its comprehensive strategic partnership with China and pledged to step up exchanges and strengthen mutual trust between the two countries.

The prime minister also reaffirmed that his country will stick to backing the one-China policy.

Britain regards China's development as an opportunity and is ready to step up economic partnership with China that benefits both of the two countries, Cameron pledged.

Also, Britain proposes that the European Union should recognize China's full market economy status, said the prime minister.

The two government leaders also exchanged views on major regional and international issues, agreeing that China and Britain share extensive common interests and responsibilities to boost world peace and development. They vowed to step up their communication and coordination on multilateral occasions, such as the United Nations Security Council, to counter various challenges in joint efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency November 9, 2010)