New Argentine gov't keen on closer ties with China: official

The new Argentine government, which will take office on Thursday, is keen on developing closer relations with China, said Foreign Minister-designate Susana Malcorra.

"We cannot deny China's importance in the world," Malcorra told Monday's La Nacion daily.

Argentina and China are both important emerging markets, which must boost exchanges and cooperation, seek development opportunities and work together to face common challenges, she said.

China is now Argentina's second-largest trading partner and Buenos Aires is seeking to expand exports from agricultural products to high technology and other value-added products.

In return, Beijing has been providing aid to Argentina in strategic industries such as railways, hydroelectric power and nuclear energy. Endi