Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, said in Khabarovsk Saturday that China and Russia should boost regional exchanges and cooperation.

When meeting with Viktor Ishayev, governor of the Far Eastern Russian city of Khabarovsk, Wu indicated that the progress of Sino-Russian relations has paved the way for the development of regional exchanges and cooperation, and that is why he had chosen Khabarovsk as the first stop of his visit.

Wu set forth China's three-point proposal aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two sides.

First, China and Russia should unblock the main channel for trade cooperation by encouraging large enterprises to participate in the cooperation. The central and regional governments of the two countries should help them play an important role in markets and the investment of some big projects.

Second, the two sides should strengthen coordination to solve current problems in trade contacts by protecting legal business operations, combating illegal trading acts and well regulating the order of economic cooperation and trade.

Finally, the management and construction of ports should be enhanced to promote access and lower the cost of administration.

Ishayev said the visit indicates that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of relations with Khabarovsk.

The territory is rich in natural resources while China offers a substantial market for the resources. The two sides will benefit from enhancing cooperation in the areas of energy resources and timber processing, he said.

The governor said he will strive to bring the regional cooperation between China and Russia to a new level.

Wu arrived in Khabarovsk on Saturday to kick off an official goodwill visit to Russia aimed at promoting bilateral ties.

Russia is the first leg of his four-nation European tour that will also take him to Bulgaria, Denmark and Norway.

(Xinhua News Agency May 24, 2004)