BEIJING, May 24 (Bernama) -- The seventh Malaysia- China Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC) meeting Wednesday agreed to enhance trade and investment linkages between the two countries.

It also agreed that the committee provide an avenue to address impediments to bilateral trade and investment and work together on cooperation programmes.

Minister of International Trade and Industry (Miti) Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz co-chaired the meeting with China's Minister for Commerce Bo Xilai.

At the meeting, Rafidah requested China explore opportunities for joint-ventures with national carmaker Proton, a statement issued by Miti said today.

She also sought China's help to ensure smooth flow in palm oil trade, facilitate and expedite market access for fruits such as papaya, starfruit and pineapple and appoint Sirim as the one-stop centre for issuance of China Compulsory Certification.

China, on the converse, requested Malaysia allow imports of frozen and cooked chicken meat, simplify approval procedures for traditional medicines and mutual recognition of standards.

Miti said the meeting also discussed proposals for collaboration in trade promotions, construction and infrastructure projects, information and communications technology, tourism, labour and reinsurance.

"The two ministers welcome the interests to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties and urged the private sectors to work closely to progress initiatives identified by the JETC.

"The meeting encourages the business communities to take advantage of prospects arising from liberalisation initiatives under the ambit of regional and bilateral preferential trading arrangements of both countries," Miti said.

Rafidah is leading a trade mission comprising private sector representatives from 34 companies and officials from Miti, Malaysian Industrial Development Authority and Malaysia External Trade Development Corp.

The mission aims to promote the export of products and services from Malaysia, strengthen business networking and establish collaborative initiatives and joint-ventures between the Malaysian and Chinese private sectors.

It is also aimed to strengthen overall bilateral trade and economic ties as well as updating the business community in China and Hong Kong on the current economic situation as well as trade and investment.

Rafidah and the delegation will depart for Shanghai on Friday and Hong Kong on May 29.

-- BERNAMA