Beijing, Brussels trade negotiations expected in 2013

Beijing and Brussels may start investment agreement negotiations next year to boost capital flow and revive economic activities, a Chinese senior diplomat said in Brussels on Tuesday.

The diplomat, who asked to remain unnamed, said that at two previous summits in

February and September this year, the two sides have "seriously committed" to facilitating bilateral investments.

During Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to Brussels in September, both sides agreed to begin feasibility studies on entering China-EU free trade negotiations. Beijing also requested that a cooperation plan with Brussels be drafted. The investment agreement should be the first step, the diplomat said.

No action is expected before March next year, after a central governmental reshuffle following the Party's leadership transition next month at the 18th National Congress of Communist Party of China.