China keen to help Indian companies to market their items: Assocham

NEW DELHI: China has expressed interest to help Indian exporters market their products in that country, industry body Assocham said today.

Widening trade deficit with China has been a issue concerning India.

The issue came up for discussion during a meeting between Chinese Vice Minister for Commerce Chen Jian and Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat here, the chamber said in a statement.

"China is keen to help Indian exporters to market their products in its country," the statement quoted Jian as saying.

Besides, the Chinese Vice Minister for Commerce agreed to facilitate Assocham SME exhibitions in its various provinces. To provide a mechanism for the same, China will help the chamber to identify a nodal officer in China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), it said.

India has asked China to open up its markets in areas like IT and pharmaceuticals where the South Asian giant has an edge.

Of the bilateral trade of $ 66.47 billion in 2012, India and China trade imbalance stood at $ 28.87 billion, which is in favour of China.

India's exports to China include petroleum products, transport equipment, machinery and pharmaceuticals, while imports comprise electronics, machinery, precious pearls and other commodities.

Assocham said China has emerged as the largest supplier of merchandise goods to India which at times hurt interest of Indian manufacturers. Therefore, Indian companies should also get a greater access to the neighbouring market.

"It is in the best interest of the two neighbouring countries that their relations improve and are cemented through expanding commercial engagement," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said.

The deep-rooted economic engagement would certainly lead to resolution of other strategic issues, he added.