Honduras and China have been negotiating a first-ever free trade pact linking their economies. Fredy Cerrato, the Honduran economic development minister, told reporters officials from both countries also discussed infrastructure projects relating to dams and power generation. "We presented (Chinese officials) with the projects that Honduras is interested in getting financed, that are vital for the development of our country," said Cerrato. He added that officials in China, the world's second largest economy, have shown interest in projects developed using both public and private funds. The minister added that proposed train line could be ready in about 15 years.

---

Persons: Commerce Wang Shouwen, Melvin Redondo, Cerrato, Gustavo Palencia, Kylie Madry, Isabel Woodford, David Gregorio Our Organizations: Commerce, Economic, Palmerola, Foreign Ministry, Central, Thomson Locations: Honduras, Comayagua, TEGUCIGALPA, Honduran, Pacific, China, Central American, Taiwan