Ahmedabad

The Chinese Ambassador to India, Mr. Le Yucheng today claimed that the mutual visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping and the ‘special chemistry’ between the two leaders has brought about tremendous change in the relationship between the two economic superpowers of Asia and also started a new chapter in this regard.

Addressing the inaugural session of the China (Guangdong)- India (Gujarat) Economic and Trade Co-operation Conference 2015 here today, during which 15 MoUs worth $590 million were also sealed between Gujarat and the Guangdong, the two sister provinces, Mr Yucheng said,’ the two leaders have met five times in the last one year. There is seemingly a nice chemistry between them. The mutual visits and the ‘chemistry’ has changed the dynamics of the relations between thge two neighbouring countries tremendously.’

Elaborating on the President Jinping’s visit to Gujarat in September last year, the Ambassador said,’ the pictures of the tour especially the one of the two leaders sitting on a swing at the Sabarmati riverfront and the other of the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram had not only had deep impact in the two countries but it was praised across the world. The sister city agreement between Guangdong and Gujarat and other MoUs signed during the visit and following one of Mr. Modi to China earlier this year has played a major role in transforming the relationship between the two prominent Asian economies. We need to keep up this momentum.’

Later Guagdong governor in his address gave five point suggestion for further enhancing mutual co-operation between the two countries and the sister states. ‘India stands at the intersection of the Silk Road on land and the Maritime Silk Route. Guangdong has also come up with the Implementation Plan for Guangdong’s Participation in the Development of the Belt and Road Initiative. Sixty-eight construction projects have been identified with a total investment volume of $55.4 billion covering six industries including the infrastructure, energy and resources, agriculture, fishing, manufacturing and service industries,’ he said.

‘Gujarat boasts of highly developed industries like pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, engineering, automobiles, bio-pharmaceuticals and IT. Guangdong will increase import of advantageous products from Gujarat. Qualified enterprises will be encouraged from Guangdong to participate in construction of SEZ and industrial parks in India. India should also participate in Guangdong’s Pilot Free Trade Zone,” Mr Xiaodan said.

He also supported the demand of direct flights between Ahmedabad and Guangdong by the Indian Consul General to the Chinese state, Mr. Sailas Thangal.

The Governor further said that there was need to expand cooperation in automobile, medical and pharmaceutical and information technology industries and to continuously deepen cooperation in tourism industry. Guangdong is the province in China with the largest number of outbound tourists, which reached 76.6 million in 2014. A large chunk of our tourists are interested in India. A feasibility of a direct flight route between Guangdong and Ahmedabad is also being looked into actively.

Earlier, Gujarat Chief Secretary G R Aloria in his address explained the major initiatives by the state government to attract foreign investors. He also said that Gujarat with its entrepreneurial spirit and good policies contribute to nine percent of the Indian economy despite having only five percent of the country’s population. He appealed the ‘Indian tiger’ and the Chinese dragon to move hand in hand for mutual prosperity and co-operation.

“Gujarat has been unique among Indian states in its treatment of foreign affairs. It accounts for 5% of the Indian population and 9% of the country’s economy. Guangdong is also an industry powerhouse and we share an affinity to forge global collaborations,’ he said.

DeshGujarat