Beijing, China, 2 June – Chines-Portuguese cooperation in Africa may begin next year and 2011 is schedule to be Portugal Year in China, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported from Beijing Friday, quoting the Portuguese secretary of state for Foreign Affairs.

“Cooperation with China in Africa will happen via the Macau Forum (Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking Countries)” said João Gomes Cravinho following a meeting held at the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The secretary of state said that Portugal saw Chinese investment in Africa as an indication that the African continent was of interest to China, which could drive the enthusiasm of Portuguese businesspeople.

“We are available to contribute to a joint framework for our companies and there is the possibility that we will move ahead with concrete projects, particularly in the areas of infrastructure in 2009/2010,” he said.

It was settled at the meeting that “2011 with be the Year of Portugal in China,” a proposal that could encourage “openness to bilateral cooperation.” (macauhub)