China to begin free trade talks with GCC
By Meng Yan (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-07-07 01:28

China and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) Tuesday agreed to further expand their trade ties.

Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Tuesday jointly met with a delegation of finance ministers from the six member countries of GCC and GCC Secretary-General Abdul-rahman Al-attiyah.

Premier Wen Jiabao (right) welcomes Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Beijing Tuesday. [newsphoto]

This is the first visit to China by GCC chairman-on-duty Sheikh Sabah, the finance ministers of the six countries and the GCC Secretary-General since China and the GCC established relations in 1981.

Wen said China is willing to establish a long-term and stable co-operation with the six Gulf countries and the GCC.

The comments were made amidst growing ties and a push to create a free trade zone with the GCC.

Bilateral trade volume between China and the GCC hit US$16.9 billion in 2003 marking the growing importance of GCC members as China's trade partners in West Asia and North Africa.

China and the GCC Tuesday signed a framework agreement on economic, trade, investment and technical co-operation.

Before the joint meeting, Wen and the Kuwaiti prime minister held a separate talks.

Wen said China-Kuwait relations are growing on a solid foundation of years of mutual understanding and support.

Sheikh Sabah said Kuwait hopes to establish a partnership with China and enhance their comprehensive co-operation in political, economic and world affairs.

He said Kuwait will not waver in its support of China on the question of Taiwan.

Sheikh Sabah expressed his appreciation for China's support on Kuwaiti efforts to safeguard independence, sovereignty and territory integrity.

Trade between China and Kuwait is increasing every year, particularly in energy, the chemical industry and labour, Wen said.

China and Kuwait Tuesday signed an agreement on bilateral economic and technical co-operation.

Wen said China attaches importance to developing relations with Arabian countries.

The Sino-Arabian Co-operation Forum was established in January during President Hu Jintao's visit to the headquarters of League of Arab States.

Wen said China is ready to use the new mechanism of group dialogue and co-operation to deepen its collaboration with Arabian countries including Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti prime minister arrived in Beijing on Monday for an eight-day official visit to China.

The six GCC member states are Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultan State of Amen and the State of Qatar.

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