Topic: India, China seek to resolve boundary dispute

Xion · April 9th, 2005

Quote:

China, India to discuss free-trade zone

News Source

BEIJING - In the runup to Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India, Beijing said he will discuss possible establishment of a free--trade zone between the two countries during talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Wen will visit from Saturday through Tuesday, April 9-12.

"To have closer economic cooperation between China and India serves the fundamental interests of the two sides. With the growth of economic cooperation and trade between the two countries, naturally the Free Trade Zone has been put on the agenda," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told reporters.

"I am sure during Premier Wen's visit to India, the leaders of the two countries will exchange ideas and have beneficial discussions on this. As to whether there will be an agreement concluded, it depends on the specific situation of discussion and talks," Qin said.

Wen and Singh are expected to meet on April 11.

Qin stressed that China and India are large developing countries with great potentials. "Both are committed to economic development. China and India have their own respective advantages. The two economies are highly complimentary."

"In a lot of fields we can learn from each other and compliment each other so as to enhance each other. We hope to, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, carry out multi-level economic cooperation with India so as to seek a win-win result, including the establishment of a free-trade zone," the spokesman said.