Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju met in Beijing Sunday afternoon with Akira Chihaya, chairman of the Japanese Nippon Steel company, and his party.

Huang briefed the guests on China's current economic situation and they agreed to further cooperation on steel.

He said China had overcome difficulties brought about by the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and over the first half year, China had enjoyed economic growth.

China's investment in fixed assets, foreign trade exports and foreign direct investment had all increased by over 30 percent, he said.

Huang said China's steel industry showed sound development, welcoming Nippon Steel company to cooperate with Chinese counterparts to help promote China's steel industry.

Akira Chihaya introduced Nippon Steel company and its cooperation with Chinese enterprises.

Li Rongrong, director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, attended the meeting.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2003)