BEIJING - President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Myung-bak, who is currently on a three-day trip to China, said on Tuesday that the ROK hopes to further trade cooperation with China.

Lee made the comments at a luncheon co-hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Lee spoke highly of the fruitful trade cooperation and cultural exchanges between the ROK and China.

"Bilateral trade should not just be concentrated in the traditional manufacturing industries, as there is also vast cooperation potential in the energy, environment and service sectors," Lee said.

Lee emphasized the importance of ROK-China free trade and the fight against trade protectionism.

"Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, both sides regard free trade as the most efficient way to combat the crisis," he said.

Lee also vowed to offer more supportive policies and a more transparent investment environment for Chinese entrepreneurs.

Wan Jifei, president of the CCPIT, said China will strive to further trade cooperation with the ROK.

"China hopes to work closely with the ROK to strengthen trade exchanges and create win-win cooperation, in order to further push forward bilateral relations," he said.

At the invitation of Chinese President Hu Jintao, Lee arrived in Beijing on Monday for his second state visit to China since taking office in February 2008.