Trade Minister Meets Australian Counterpart

Chinese Trade Minister Meets Australian Counterpart

Shi Guangsheng, minister of foreign trade and economic cooperation, said Monday the China has entered the final procedural phase in its bid into the World Trade Organization (WTO), and will strictly observe the rules and regulations of the organization and carry out its commitments.

Shi said that relevant laws and regulations are being examined, supplemented and modified, and management personnel in the government departments and big enterprises are being trained. The minister made the remarks at a meeting here with Mark Vaile, Australian minister for trade and his party.

Shi said that the ties between China and Austria have been progressing quite well, and bilateral economic and trade relations have also been developing rapidly.

The two countries also enjoy good cooperation in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), he said, adding that Vaile's current visit to China will play an important role in promoting trade and economic ties between the two sides.

Vaile said that his visit has provided a good opportunity for exchanges between the business communities of the two countries. Australia has consistently supported China's entry into the WTO, Vaile said, adding that he hopes China will be a active member after its accession into the WTO.

Shi said that the APEC has played an important role in promoting economic development and cementing mutual understanding and cooperation among its members.

China and Australia, both APEC member countries, should further strengthen cooperation, and play an active and constructive role in the organization, Shi said.

Mark Vaile and his party are here for an week-long visit at the invitation of Shi. The delegation has visited the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Guangdong Province in south China. They will also tour Yunnan Province in the southwest.