Beijing, Mar 1 (Prensa Latina) The Vice President of Venezuela planning sector, Ricardo Menendez, who is visiting Beijing today, was assured of the full support of China for the economic policies implemented by the President of Venezuela - Nicolas Maduro. "We had important working meetings with the Foreign Ministry and the Development Committee, vital meetings for the development of the 14 engines of our economy," he told Prensa Latina.

He explained that in the specific case of Venezuela, the Chinese government has raised its participation in each of the strategic areas needed to kick start the economy.

Menendez revealed that among the topics discussed during the first meeting with the Chinese, were the principle issues of the pharmaceutical, industrial, petrochemical, oil and mining sectors. They also discussed forestry and tourism.

He also stated that China will invest in the development of the Orinoco Oil Belt and the Mining Arc, extremely important areas - strengthening the bond between the two countries.

A forum of more than 50 Chinese companies will be held tomorrow to discuss the issue of investment in Venezuela, which in his view shows that there is a comprehensive understanding of, and full support for the Bolivarian economic agenda proposed by the Venezuelan President.

Menéndez, along with the high-level delegation that accompanied him had meetings with the President of the Chinese National Commission of Reform and Development - Xu Shaoshi, as well as with the Vice President - Ning Jizhe.

In the talks - according to Menendez - the parties discussed the provision of machinery and other lines of production, as well as the possibility of investment in the sectors of petrochemicals and gold, aimed at diversifying Venezuela's productive base.

Also analysed was the implementation of measures to meet the current needs of the Venezuelan population in terms of shortages of food and medicine, which have resulted from the economic war against the South American territory. ym/abo

sgl//lam/dav http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4656401&Itemid=1