Mutual Understanding, Trust Urged for Sino-US Economic Ties

Shi Guangsheng Meets U.S. Trade Representative

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Shi Guangsheng, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC), said Tuesday in Shanghai that Sino-US economic cooperation should be grounded on "mutual understanding and trust" and be carried out with an active and practical attitude based on equal consultation.

Shi made the remark when he met and held talks with Robert Zoellick, Trade Representative of the United States, who is here to attend the APEC Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade MRT), due to open Wednesday.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with their dialogues and cooperation within APEC, and agreed to make concerted efforts for the promotion of multilateral cooperation among APEC members and push forward the early launching of a new round of World Trade Organization (WTO) multilateral talks.

The two trade officials also reviewed the economic and trade cooperation between the two countries in recent years.

Shi, also chairman of the 2001 APEC MRT Meeting, said that it is in the interests of both China and the United States to develop a steady and healthy economic and trade relationship.

Zoellick said the U.S. government values the promotion of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. Despite differences, the two countries have a lot in common, he added. He said the U.S. side is willing to push forward the growth of bilateral economic ties.

During the talks, the two trade officials also exchanged views on China's accession to the WTO and other issues of mutual interest.