Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan Thursday said joint efforts from China and the United States are needed to push forward the negotiations of the Doha Round in the World Trade Organization.

During a meeting with U.S Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez, Wang said the United States should bring its important influence in world economy and multilateral trade system into better play.

He added China, as a developing country, would also make active efforts in this regard.

Wang also called on both sides to enhance mutual understanding, strengthen contacts and innovate thinking with regard to bilateral economic and trade issues, such as the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), to find solutions to problems with flexibility and patience.

Gutierrez said the United States attaches great importance to U.S.-China relationship and is ready to keep contacts with China to promote the development of bilateral trade ties.

Gutierrez also conveyed sympathy to China over the deadly earthquake that hit the southwestern Sichuan Province on Monday, causing severe casualties, and expressed grief over the victims in the disaster.

Wang appreciated Gutierrez's concern and briefed the guest the current relief work in the quake-hit area, saying the Chinese government and people are able to conquer the severe disaster.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)