China, Israel Pledge to Enhance Economic Cooperation

Israeli President Shimon Peres (R) meets with Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming in Jerusalem, March 2, 2011. (Xinhua/Yin Dongxun)

JERUSALEM, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Israeli President Shimon Peres and visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming held a meeting Wednesday, pledging to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

China is now playing a constructive and increasingly important part in global economy, Peres said, adding that Israel sees great opportunity in China's development. He expressed Israel's willingness to join hands with China to further expand the mutual- benefit cooperation between the two countries.

Peres highlighted the key role of technology innovation in economic development of Israel and China, and said his country is ready to expand economic, trade, agricultural and technological collaboration.

Chen said he appreciates Peres' effort in promoting Sino- Israeli relations. China will step up communication and cooperation with Israel, and work together to enhance the technological collaboration, Chen said, adding that he and his delegation aim to strengthen economic partnership with Israel and further expand and deepen the bilateral cooperation in practical terms.

The two sides also exchanged views on major regional and international issues of shared interest.

During his four-day visit, Chen held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

Noting the traditional friendship and mutual interest between Israel and China, Netanyahu said his government expects to enhance bilateral cooperation in economy, trade and other fields.

Sino-Israeli trade volume reached 7.65 billion U.S. dollars in 2010, nearly 150 times of the volume of 1992, when the two countries established diplomatic relations. Chen said China hopes to import more high-tech products from Israel, so as to optimize the composition of bilateral trade.

Chen, who is heading a trade delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs to Israel, said Chinese enterprises and financial institutions are more than willing to collaborate with their Israeli counterparts.

Source: English.news.cn