LISBON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, on the eve of an official visit to China, said his country would enhance ties with Beijing.

    Socrates said China is an important economic power and will play an important role in the process of building a new political order, the prime minister's website reported.

    The prime minister said his country aims to strengthen political ties with China and explore the potential for economic cooperation during his visit.

    Maintaining special relations with China is a key to improve Portugal's status in the world, he added.

    The prime minister hoped his visit would boost Portugal's exports to Chinese markets, adding that the signing of the agreement on building comprehensive strategic partnership with China provided an opportunity for Portugal to improve political and economic ties with the Asian country.

    As Portugal will take the six-month rotating EU presidency from July 1, Sorates said, his current visit to China will also make preparations for the EU-China Summit.

    During his visit to China on Jan. 30-Feb. 3, Socrates will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao and meet with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and Vice President Zeng Qinghong. He will also visit Shanghai and the Macao Special Administrative Region.