In a speech delivered at a reception hosted in his honor by Japan’s business organizations, Zhu said China and Japan are meeting new opportunities for enhancing their mutually beneficial economic cooperation as economic growth in both countries is picking up speed.

After briefing Japanese guests on China’s economic situation and future development strategy, Zhu said China is ready to cooperate with Japanese firms in areas such as the development of western China, high and new technology and environment protection.

As the most developed country in Asia, Japan’s participation in the development of China’s western areas will bring about a bright future for Sino-Japanese economic cooperation in the 21st century, Zhu said.

Noting that improving the environment is very important in the process of development in western China, Zhu expressed the hope that the Japanese side would take advantage of its advanced environment protection technologies and rich experience to contribute to the development of western China.

He said that China and Japan should cooperate in the development of technology, especially in such sectors as basic scientific research, high technology and manufacturing.

The Chinese premier said that the two countries should also enhance cooperation in the financial sector and Japan should increase its transfer of technology to China and invest more in China.

As major economies in East Asia, China and Japan should make contributions to the development of Asia by exploring new areas for regional economic cooperation, he said.

Zhu arrived in Tokyo Thursday for a six-day official visit.

(People’s Daily 10/14/2000)