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Question: What is the aim of your visit to China?
Answer: My visit to China is the first by an Indian Prime Minster in nearly a decade. In this period, our two countries have developed a wide canvas of mutually beneficial cooperation. I hope my discussions with the leadership
of China will build better understanding and trust between our two peoples, and impart further momentum to our broad-based bilateral cooperation.
The world around us has also changed dramatically during these years. As two of the world's largest and most populous developing countries, India and China should remain in close touch on global issues of concern to developing countries.
Our two countries jointly defined the principles of Panchsheel about 50 years ago as the basis of relations between sovereign, independent countries. With a commitment to Panchsheel, respecting equality, and with mutual sensitivity to the concerns of each other, our two countries can construct an enduring and powerful partnership.
I also look forward to the opportunity of witnessing for myself the rapid economic development, which China has achieved in the last two decades. Your remarkable successes have many lessons for India.
Question: What is your view about the current development and future of Sino-Indian relations?
Answer: In recent years, our two countries have launched a process of diversification of bilateral relations. We have successfully developed mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, while simultaneously addressing our
differences. Our dialogue now addresses not only the various areas in which we can improve bilateral cooperation, but also international issues such as terrorism, security, environment, sustainable development and multilateral economic regimes. Our trade relations
are developing in a healthy manner. Exchanges are growing in culture, education, science & technology, media and tourism.
But for two countries, which together have one-third of humanity, we have only taken the first few steps. We need to do much more to fulfil the true potential of our partnership – in the search for a multi-polar world order, in fashioning pragmatic responses to the challenges of globalisation, and in promoting a climate of peace, stability and development in Asia and in the world.
I hope to discuss these aspects with the Chinese leadership during my forthcoming visit to China.
Question: What is the future and potential of economic and technological cooperation between China and India?
Answer: India and China are among the world's fastest growing economies. The basic structure of our economies is not dissimilar though we have chosen different paths towards development. We have complementarities created
by our technological development and human resources skills.
Our trade is growing rapidly. It nearly touched $5 billion last year and at the rate, at which it is growing, can easily reach $10 billion in the next couple of years. Of course, we have to constantly strive to increase the proportion of ‘new economy' products in our turnover, compared to the traditional items.
Indian companies are showing interest in investing in China. About 70 Indian companies have entered China, with an investment total of about $ 65 million. I understand more projects are on the anvil. We would equally like to see Chinese companies investing in India.
The convergence of our commercial interests in information technology has not been fully realised. The undoubted Chinese prowess in manufacturing can form a formidable synergy with Indian software engineering. I am sure there are other possibilities for strategic alliances and joint ventures between our companies for competitive presence in global markets.
During my visit, I will discuss with the Chinese leadership proactive measures to identify and exploit new opportunities for economic and technological cooperation.
