China's Commerce Minister said China and the United Kingdom need to strengthen cooperation in trade in services and collaboration in the development of infrastructure - such as nuclear power and high-speed rail - to further improve bilateral trade ties.

Gao Hucheng made the comments during the 11th Joint Economic and Trade Commission, which was held in Beijing on Wednesday and jointly presided by Gao and Vince Cable, UK's Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, according to a statement on the ministry's website on Thursday.

Gao also called for the UK to play an active role in boosting China's cooperation with the European Union in high-tech areas.

Cable said the UK welcomes Chinese investment in the country and looks forward to more investment.

Gao said the UK is China's third largest trade partner in the EU and the second largest source of foreign direct investment - as well as an important destination for China's overseas investment. He also said bilateral trade is gaining momentum while two-way investment is fruitful, with great potential in new areas.

Gao added that China appreciates the UK's stance on trade liberalization and its "active attitude" on advancing the feasibility study of the China-EU free trade agreement.