Vice Premier Wu Yi and her Russian counterpart Alexander Zhukov hailed economic and trade ties in Moscow on Monday, saying bilateral trade can exceed the set goal of US$60 billion in 2010.

 

"Chinese government attaches importance on such relations with Russia and has strived to create a sound platform for cooperation between companies from the two countries," Wu told a laying-foundation ceremony of a Chinese Trade Center in Moscow.

 

She said she hopes the project, with a US$300 million first phase investment, will provide good business service and become an example of China-Russia economic cooperation.

 

Zhukov spoke highly of Russian-Chinese relations, noting the strategic partnership of cooperation has witnessed new progress as well as frequent exchange of people and soaring trade volume.

 

The real estate project, funded by Chinese leading companies, consists of office buildings, hotels, exhibition centers, malls and traditional Chinese gardens. It was expected to be put into use in 2010. 　

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 13, 2007)