A fresh impetus to economic cooperation with particular emphasis on increasing bilateral trade will be the key area of focus during Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee’s visit to China starting June 22. While contentious issues like the decades-long border dispute is expected to figure prominently, sources said New Delhi will concentrate on improving the overall health of Indo-China relations.South Block officials said India and China are emerging world powers from Asia and bilateral relations between them cannot be held hostage to a couple of issues. It is understood that India will look at ways to double the trade volume between the two countries which is less than US$5 billion.During his five-day visit, the first by an Indian PM in the past decade, Vajpayee is slated to meet the entire cross-section of the new Chinese leadership. According to South Block officials, he will also hold discussions with Central Military Commission chairman Jiang Zemin, as well.He will have wide-ranging talks with President Hu Jintao and premier Wen Jiabao. While officials don’t divulge the agenda for the talks, an MEA spokesperson said a number of agreements and MOUs are expected to be signed.The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level business and industry delegation. It is understood that trade-related meetings between Indian and Chinese entrepreneurs will be held on the sidelines of official talks. Vajpayee will also be addressing an India-China business meet in Beijing.Signalling New Delhi’s interest in forging stronger economic ties, Vajpayee will also travel to Shanghai, China’s business hub. It is understood the thrust will be to devise ways to improve trust and confidence that can facilitate better understanding between the countries. Vajpayee will also meet Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress chairman Wu Bangguo.
