German Chancellor Angela Merkel is paying an official visit to China at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang. The two held talks in Beijing's Great Hall of the People. The two-day visit falls on Friday and Saturday and Merkel is also bringing with her a business delegation. A welcome ceremony for Merkel was held earlier today at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing. CGTN's Zou Yun has more.

It's Merkel's 12th official trip to China. During her 2-day visit, she is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and attend a meeting of the bilateral Economic Advisory Committee with Premier Li Keqiang.

Topping the agenda are economic policy, international issues, as well as bilateral relations. Merkel said she wanted to build closer ties with China, given the complex international environment, while Premier Li said China would like to work with Germany to sustain multilateralism and free trade. 

Accompanying her are not only senior officials, but also a large business delegation. As China becomes one of the most popular investment destinations for German firms, they are expected to visit Beijing and Wuhan, one of the fastest-growing and populous cities in central China. Their areas of interest include emerging sectors such as self-driving technologies, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.

ZOU YUN BEIJING "Experts say that many EU countries, including Germany, are facing trade pressure from the US, which could possibly lead to an economic downturn. Because of this, Merkel's latest China trip is important in that it could lead to new business opportunities with China. Bringing new momentum to the country's economy. ZY, CGTN, Reporting from the Great Hall of the People, Beijing."