A 14-member Chinese delegation led by Mr. Wang Pu, Vice Chairman, Shenzen Committee of Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, called on the Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju here today. The delegation arrived in India to participate in the China (Shenzhen)-India Economic and Trade Cooperation seminar.
Welcoming the delegation, Shri Rijiju said that India is eager to enhance trade and cultural ties with China. Noting that India attracted the maximum amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) last year, Shri Rijiju invited the Chinese entrepreneurs to take benefit out of the huge potential that India offers in various sectors. Besides ancient links between two civilizations, Shri Rijiju said that India is looking forward to increased interaction between the youths of both the countries for more cultural contacts and exchanges in other fields.
Noting that the Chinese delegation comprised leaders from the business, political and cultural spectrum, Shri Rijiju appreciated the rapid transformation of Shenzhen into a “dream city” and hoped that India will benefit out of their tremendous success as we recently unveiled the Smart City project. Shri Rijiju said that the Government encourages close coordination between Indian and Chinese Industry.
Mr. Wang mentioned that India and China represent one-third of the world’s population and also share a “natural bond” due to Buddhism and together we can impact a lot of change. The Chinese delegation evinced keen interest in India’s pharmaceuticals and biotech sector and invited investments by Indian pharmaceuticals companies in China. The Chinese delegation inquired about the sectors of the economy which are attracting foreign investment. The delegation members also inquired about the incentives for the investors in India and requested the Minister for favourable policies for the Chinese investors. They also raised the issue of facilitating the visas for the businessmen and for tourism even as more and more Chinese tourists and businessmen are visiting India every year.
Shri Rijiju said India encourages people-to-people contact and in order to facilitate this, the Government recently extended the electronic Tourist Visa (eTV) scheme to China and under the dynamic leadership of Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the “Visit India Year” was launched in China last year following which the “Visit China Year” has kicked off in India this year. Regarding the investment, MoUs on establishing two Chinese Industrial Parks in Maharashtra and Gujarat were signed during President Xi’s visit and the Chinese companies can explore the possibilities of investment in the same. He hoped that more Indians can visit and do business in China especially in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Chinese delegation also invited Shri Rijiju to visit Shenzhen.
Senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of External Affairs attended the meeting.