Addressing more than 100 noted Chinese and Russian entrepreneurs, the prime minister urged the business people of the two countries to make joint efforts to push the two-way trade to a new high.

He encouraged the entrepreneurs present to enhance direct links, open more channels and build an effective mechanisms for further cooperation. In particular, the two countries can strengthen their cooperation in machinery manufacturing, energy, aviation and space technologies and petroleum sectors, the prime minister said.

The prime minister described the Russia-China relationship as " developing in an all-round way," with steady political dialogue and cooperation, increasingly active cultural exchanges and lots of similarities in history and tradition. All this has helped lay a good foundation for advancing their economic and trade ties, he said.

He promised that his government will try its best to support the business people of the two countries to expand the economic cooperation.

The trade volume between Russia and China stood at US$5.7 billion last year, and the figure is expected to reach US$7 billion this year, a new high in ten years, Kasyanov noted.

He said that the Russian economy is recovering and has shown signs of development after getting over the negative impact of the financial crisis. This means that greater potential is yet to be tapped in the economic and trade cooperation between Russia and China.

(Xinhua 11/4/2000)