Hijjah 01, 1431 / Nov. 07, 2010, SPA -- Chinese President Hu Jintao offered Portugal increased economic cooperation on Sunday to help it out of its economic woes. Beijing was ready to help "with concrete measures," Hu said during a meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates in Lisbon. Portugal's high deficit, debt and 10 per cent unemployment have sparked fears the eurozone member might need a Greek-style international bailout, dpa reported. HU, who arrived Saturday for a two-day visit, signed a series of cooperation agreements in the fields of trade, tourism, telecommunications, science, culture and sport. "We want to do everything possible to ensure that trade between Portugal and China doubles by 2015," Hu said. Cooperation had progressed since the two countries launched a strategic partnership in 2005. In the first eight months of 2010, Portugal's exports to China increased by 66 per cent to 483.5 million dollars, while Chinese exports to Portugal went up by 39 per cent to 1.65 billion dollars. "We are ready to undertake concrete measures to support Portugal's efforts to combat the effects of the global financial crisis," Hu said in a speech at the foreign ministry. Socrates thanked the Chinese head of state for his "personal involvement" in increasing Chinese investment in Portugal. Hu, who left for home after the talks, had earlier met Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco and members of the Chinese community.
