AMSTERDAM, 13/05/06 - A thirty-strong Amsterdam trade mission will be in China in the coming week to strengthen the ties between the Dutch capital and the Asian country. Mayor Job Cohen is leading the mission.

The trip should according to the organisers be seen as "a first step in a long-term strategy" of broadening and stepping up the ties. Trade and tourism will be promoted, and exchange of information in the area of culture and education will also be worked on. During the visit, an office will be officially opened in Shanghai for the port of Amsterdam.

State Secretary Melanie Schultz is also visiting China in the coming week. From Monday to Sunday, she is touring the cities of Beijing, Nanjing and Shanghai to strengthen Dutch water cooperation with China. The emphasis is on the Water Innovation Seminar in Shanghai (18 and 19 May), being organised by the Netherlands together with China. In Beijing and Nanjing, Schultz will discuss water policy, aviation and the dredging sectors with various ministries and government bodies.

Earlier, it was announced that Agriculture Minister Veerman is visiting China from 22 through 25 May. He will address the annual China Economic Summit on developments in agriculture and meet with Premier Wen Jiabao, Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin and Trade Minister Li Changjiang. Additionally. Veerman will participate in a Round Table meeting on the emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China and speak to the Benelux Business Association.