Chinese Ambassador, Le Yucheng meets Anandi Patel

AHMEDABAD: Newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to India, Le Yucheng today met Chief Minister Anandi Patel in Gandhinagar ahead of the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping here on September 17.

"Yucheng held a detailed discussion with Patel about Jinping's forthcoming visit here and on various avenues of co-operation between India and China," said a press release issued by Gujarat government.

During the meeting, Patel hoped that Jinping's visit will provide a new direction to the trade ties between China and Gujarat.

"While greeting Yucheng, Patel appreciated the efforts put up by China during last 20-25 years to become one of the economic superpowers of the world," the release said.

"India is also moving ahead to be one of the economic superpowers under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Patel is quoted as saying in the release.

Patel told Yucheng that in view of a growing number of firms operating in Gujarat, various universities in the state have started Chinese language courses for youngsters who want to take up jobs in these firms.

During the meeting, the chief minister invited Yucheng and a Chinese delegation to take part in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit next year. "In return, Yucheng also invited Patel to visit China," the release said.

Jinping is expected to land at Ahmedabad airport at around 2:30 PM on Wednesday and will be driven to hotel Grand Hyatt in Vastrapur area.

After holding a high-level meeting at the hotel, Jinping is scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram and then take a walk and have dinner with Modi on the Sabarmati Riverfront, before flying to New Delhi, according to official sources.