Indo-China bilateral trade set for a greater surge: Consul General

Bangalore, Mar 29 (UNI) The bilateral trade between India and China, which had touched 22 billion USD last year, is set to grow at a faster pace in the coming years, newly appointed Chinese Consul General Zang Weiguo said here.

Speaking at the meeting organised to celebrate the 57th Anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries, organised by Indo-China Friendship Association here last night, he said the present rate of 32 per cent growth in bilateral trade was set to surge further.

''China is proud of its collaborative efforts during the last one decade. China had emerged as the second largest trade partner for India, while India was the top nation in bilateral trade for China in South East Asia,'' he said.

However, the two countries were facing the arduous task of taking their economies to the next plane and improving the living conditions of their poor people.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker Krishna, who was the Chief Guest, said ''India and China had made great strides in the recent years to emerge among the top ten nations in terms of GDP growth. Now it is time to strive to improve the per capita income of their people.'' Expressing happiness over China hosting the 2008 Olympics, he said it would be a great opportunity for the people of the other countries to know the modern face of the orient country.

UNI