Chinese Minister of Commerce Bo Xilai held talks with visiting US Trade Representative Rob Portman Monday afternoon and the two parties exchanged views on economic and trade questions of common concern.

Talking about textiles, Bo said that the textile agreement reached between China and the United States is in the basic interest of industries of both countries, and the two sides should further technical cooperation to ensure stable and orderly implementation of the agreement.

As for questions of US concern, such as IPR protection and trade balance, Bo said that the Chinese government would never be indulgent towards IPR violations and has adopted many forceful measures to crack down on them. IPR infringement is a global problem that can be found in both China and the United States, therefore must be dealt with joint efforts. Towards IPR protection we should take a pragmatic attitude instead of forming opinions based on impressions only. Both sides should expand information exchange and solve the problem in a practical manner. Bo pointed out that in its trade with the United States China has no intention to seek for large-amount surplus but hopes for balanced trade development. The United States should adjust its industrial and trade structure in light of the needs of the Chinese market so as to expand trade with China.

Talking about the Doha round negotiations, Bo noted that China holds a positive position in pushing forward a new round of talks, and all parties concerned should show their determination so that a breakthrough can be achieved at the WTO ministerial meeting scheduled next month in Hong Kong. Regarding agricultural issues, America and EU, as developed economies, are fully able to cushion the blow of reduced export subsidies and domestic support and should take more active actions in this aspect. Portman said that during the Doha round China served as a bridge between developed and developing countries. The United States holds that ambitious goals should be kept in mind in negotiations concerning agricultural issues.

By People's Daily Online