BERLIN -- Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming agreed to further expand bilateral trade between China and Germany during his meeting with German Economy Minister Philipp Roesler on Monday.

Chen said China and Germany are important trade partners, and deepening mutually beneficial economic cooperation is important for bilateral relations.

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He suggested that the two sides make full use of the first China-Germany inter-government consultations to push bilateral economic relations to a new level.

He also suggested further cooperation on energy-saving and environmental protection technology, expansion of bilateral trade in services, and exchanges between the two ministries.

Roesler accepted Chen's suggestion that the two countries should strengthen cooperation on launching projects in Germany, adding that his country would open its arms to Chinese investors.

He said Germany welcomes a further opening-up of the services sector in China, and encourages cooperation between small- and medium-sized enterprises from the two countries

Chen is accompanying Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on a three-nation European tour of Hungary, Britain and Germany. Germany is the last leg of the trip.