Talk session to foster economic & cultural ties between India and China

Kolkata: Zha Liyou, Consul General, the Consulate General of the Peoples' Republic of China in Kolkata felt that the sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, finance, technical training, sports, tourism and shooting films could play a major role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and China.

He was addressing a Special Session "India-China Economic Ties: A Sub-National Perspective" organised by Merchants' Chamber of Commerce and Industry at its office on Thursday.

He also mentioned about cultural and educational exchanges and spoke about Kunming which could be a dream wedding destination for the people from across the country.

Referring to age-old relationship of India and China, Liyou said that the relationship in both the state and provincial level should be fostered better as a part of bilateral relationships. He pointed out that there could be an exchange of more business delegations between Kunming and Kolkata and focus areas would be agro technology, mining, healthcare and hospitals tourism and hotels and solid waste management.

Both the Centre and provincial governments may find business solutions to further promote economic, cultural and educational ties between two countries at the sub national level. He said that Kolkata – Kunming and West Bengal – Yunnan relationships could be taken to a new high even though India and China have different structure with India having collaborative federalism and China having strong Government at the Centre.

On tourism he said that while in 2018, 8 lakh Indian tourists went to China, the corresponding figure for Chinese tourists to India was only 2 lakh, which needs to be addressed. He also urged the governments of both the countries to generate more business.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Vishal Jhajharia, President of the Chamber spoke about India's huge trade deficit with China, which has been an area of concern over the years.