Chinese cos are welcome to participate in 'Make in India':Prez

New Delhi, Nov 7: Citing all-round progress in bilateral ties, President Pranab Mukherjee has said Chinese companies were welcome to participate in 'Make in India' initiative.

Mukherjee said this while meeting China's Vice President Li Yuanchao, who had called on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan here yesterday.

Pointing out that Yuanchao was the first Vice President of China to visit India, the President said India attaches high importance to its relations with China, a press release issued today by Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

"India-China relations have witnessed all round progress in recent years. The two countries have expanded high level political exchanges.

As two emerging economies, relations between the two countries have a regional and a global significance. "India-China trade now stands at USD 70.59 billion. India welcomes Chinese companies to participate in ‘Make in India'," he said.

The Chinese Vice President warmly reciprocated the President's sentiments and said closer ties between the two countries will not only benefit both, but also help usher in the Asian Century, the release said. He congratulated India on its rapid development and said China is determined to promote cooperation in all fields.

PTI