China is receptive to increasing its imports from Portugal and to stepping up investment in the European Union nation, namely in areas such as infrastructure, said Portugal’s Secretary of State for Economy Leonardo Mathias.

His remarks came after meeting with several Chinese officials and representatives from Chinese firms during an eight-day visit to China that started last week, Portuguese news agency Lusa reported.

“The door is open,” Mr Mathias stated, describing his meetings in Beijing as “positive”. He added China is “a solid partner of Portugal”.

Official figures show Chinese imports from Portugal increased 18.8 percent year-on-year to US$1.66 billion in 2014.

Portugal can also serve as a platform for China to explore opportunities in other Portuguese-speaking countries and the European Union, Mr Mathias stated.

He added that Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Zhong Shan noted “the existence of a direct flight between China and Portugal would be economically, culturally and socially important” for bilateral relations.

Despite the absence of direct flights between both countries, Portugal welcomed around 114,000 Chinese tourists last year, up by 30 percent year-on-year, according to the report.