Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Seoul on Wednesday
that China was willing to further open its market to South Korea
and increase imports from the neighboring country.
Wen said both countries should implement the joint research
report on long- and medium-term cooperation, improve bilateral
economic and trade cooperation and the mechanism for dialogue and
create a more convenient and efficient trade environment.
He said they should try to achieve the goal of annual trade
volume of US$200 billion as early as possible.
In November 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South
Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun agreed that the trade volume
between the two countries should increase to US$200 billion in
2012.
Wen made the remarks at luncheon with entrepreneurs from both
countries.
He suggested both sides continue to optimize trade structure and
expand trade on agricultural products, high-tech and service
products.
China appreciated South Korea's efforts to correct the trade
deficit on the Chinese side, and hoped that South Korea would
further lower importing barriers to let more Chinese products enter
its market.
Wen arrived here on Tuesday morning for his first visit to South
Korea as a premier. He held talks with his South Korean
counterpart, Han Duck-soo, and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun
on Tuesday, and attended the opening ceremony for the China-South
Korea Exchange Year.
He will leave for Japan on Wednesday and is scheduled to
conclude his current two-nation Asia tour on Friday.
(Xinhua News Agency April 11, 2007)
