Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Seattle on
Wednesday that business cooperation has proved to be a pillar for
the growth of Sino-US relations, vowing to promote bilateral
business ties.
"Strong business ties meet the fundamental interests of our two
countries and peoples and will continue to play an important role
in boosting and stabilizing our relations," Hu said at a luncheon
hosted by the Washington State, the Seattle business community and
friendly local organizations.
He also expressed his hope to work together with the US side to
enhance mutual trust, deepen cooperation and promote the growth of
the constructive and cooperative China-US relations in all
fields.
In 2005, bilateral trade volume between the two countries jumped
to US$211.6 billion, an increase of more than 80 times over that in
1979 when China and the US established diplomatic relations.
"The fast growing bilateral business ties have delivered great
benefits to our peoples," Hu said in the speech with the theme of
"Deepen Mutually Beneficial Cooperation to Promote Common
Development."
He said that by doing business with China, US companies have
made good profits, enhanced their global competitiveness and
strengthened their positions in the US market.
At the same time, Hu also pointed out that it is "hardly
avoidable" that some problems have occurred, given the rapid
growth, sheer size and wide scope of business ties between the two
sides.
"We should properly address these problems through consultation
and dialogue on an equal footing as we work to expand our business
ties," Hu said.
He stressed that mutually beneficial cooperation and common
development remain "the defining feature of our business
relations."
Hu arrived here on Tuesday for his first state visit to the US,
with Seattle being the first stop of his four-day stay in the
country.
The US is the first leg of his five-nation tour, which will also
take him to Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Nigeria and Kenya.
(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2006)