Brussels, 30/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - Multilateral talks of the Doha Round, bilateral trade relations and trade policy measures to counter the global financial crisis were the focus of the meeting held on the sidelines of the 2nd working session between the European Commission and the Chinese government in Brussels on Friday 30 January, between Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton and China's Trade Minister Chen Deming. In the context of the global economic slowdown, Ms Ashton reiterated to her Chinese counterpart the EU's appeal to its trading partners to maintain market opening, resist protectionist temptations and avoid all state intervention in the economy. Ms Ashton and Mr Chen agreed, in this respect, on how important it was to ensure new trading opportunities for SMEs, which are highly vulnerable in this current slow period. Also, they agreed it was necessary to conclude the Doha talks as soon as possible. Finally, Ms Ashton and her guest agreed to meet again in Brussels in April for the 2nd high level economic and trade dialogue mechanism meeting, set up in April 2008 to ease bilateral friction regarding the trade in goods and services and investment. (E.H./transl.jl)