Executives signed a deal that could pave the way forcollaboration as joint venture partners, witnessed in Belgium by Chinese presidentXi Jingping.

The state owner of China Shipping Terminal Development andChina Container Shipping Lines (CSCL) wants to expand its European network, Maersksaid.

Last year, CSCL agreed to buy a 24% stake in Maersk's Zeebrugge terminal operation.