This is from yesterday's CND: cnd.org
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Israeli President Tours China to Promote Trade ....................... 31 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
[CND, 04/27/99] Israeli President Ezer Weizman arrived in Beijing on Monday for a week-long China tour to strengthen trade ties between the two nations, AFP reported on Monday.
The Israeli president is to sign a number of agreements, including a US$11.4 million contract for the Israeli telecommunication company ECI to provide equipment to China's Jitong Communication. The biggest contract is the US$50 million agreement for technology co-operation between Israel's Nbase-Xyplex and China's GDT Great Dragon.
The two countries have enjoyed tremendous growth in bilateral trades. In 1998, the Israelis exported US$190 million of goods to China, while importing US$350 million worth of goods. The overall trade growth rate amounted to 50 percent compared to 1997.
The President is accompanied by his wife Reuma, and a strong delegation composed of 40 business leaders. After the welcoming ceremony, he was expected to oversee the signing of a series of agreements between the two sides in telecommunications, medical equipment, chemical production, and agriculture.
The Israeli president is to meet his Chinese counterpart President JIANG Zemin, Premier ZHU Rongji, and Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation Minister SHI Huangsheng on Monday.
After leaving Beijing, Mr. Weizman will travel to Shanghai, Hong Kong and Kunming. During his stay in Kunming, he will visit the international horticultural exhibition and inaugurate the Israeli pavilion. (Xiayi KE, WU Yiyi) |