Improvement of economic ties and trade cooperation between Macedonia and China through joint projects and assistance at expert and technical level is envisaged by the protocols and memorandums signed Thursday by the Chinese high delegation - led by Vice Premier Hui Liangyu - and by the Macedonian government.

A protocol of phytosanitary requirements for the export of tobacco from Macedonia to China was signed. The promotion of Macedonian tobacco on the market in China will be significantly mitigated under the document.

China has also provided a grant of over three million euros for projects in education and healthcare and will enable trainings for Macedonian civil servants in relation to foreign affairs and agricultural development.

"Bilateral visits paid recently have resulted in boosting the trade exchange between Macedonia and China - there's an increase of more than 30% in 2011. It is expected this trend to continue in the future," Vice PM in charge of economic affairs, Vladimir Pesevski stated after signing the agreements.

At a plenary meeting, Macedonian ministers underscored the interest for cooperation in the sectors of energy and agriculture and presented Macedonia's investment opportunities.

A Macedonian government delegation, led by PM Nikola Gruevski, is scheduled to pay a visit to China in order to present country's business benefits for investing, Vice PM Pesevski announced.

China's delegation visiting Macedonia is the biggest thus far. It includes Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu, Minister of State Ethnic Affairs Commission Yang Jing, Ambassador to Skopje Cui Zhiwei, Deputy General Secretary of the General Office of the State Council Ding Suedong, Deputy Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and Deputy International Trade Representative Chong Quan.

The delegation consists of thirty members among whom is president of China National Agricultural Development Group, director general of Department for International Cooperation within Ministry of Agriculture and director general of the Institute for Economics Development Research.

Talks are scheduled with PM Nikola Gruevski and President Gjorge Ivanov in the course of its three-day stay.