DHAKA: German chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in China on Sunday for her seventh visit since 2005, with economic ties topping the agenda and a high-powered business delegation in tow.

Merkel touched down early Sunday in the southwestern city of Chengdu, where she met local officials, visited a market and toured a factory operated by German car manufacturer Volkswagen.

Merkel is due to arrive later Sunday in Beijing, where she will wrap up the first day of the three-day visit by meeting premier Li Keqiang for dinner at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

For the EU’s biggest economy, China is a crucial mass market. Chinese companies want its technology and millions of newly prosperous citizens crave German goods ranging from Audi sedans to luxury home appliances, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1519 1305 HRS, JULY 05, 2014