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India, China pledge to expand trade

C K Arora in Seattle

India and China last night expressed desire to expand their bilateral trade and work together in international fora to advance the economic interests of the developing countries.

An official spokesperson, after a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Murasoli Maran and Chinese Minister for Trade and Economic Cooperation Shi Guang Sheng in Seattle, said that the two countries would also sign an agreement, paving the way for the formal entry of the Communist state into the World Trade Organisation.

China had already signed such an agreement with the United States last month.

Maran invited his Chinese counterpart to visit New Delhi for further talks and the signing of the agreement.

India had always supported Chinese admission into the WTO as it would help further the specific interests of the developing countries, Maran said.

The spokesperson said China also supported India's stand, opposing inclusion of non-trade issues -- environment and labour standards -- in the WTO agenda.

The Chinese minister called on Maran at his hotel room.

Both the leaders are here in connection with the four-day ministerial meeting of the WTO which ends today.

UNI

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