NAGPUR, Feb 7: India-China trade relations are unlikely to be significantly impacted by external developments, as both nations are large economies that firmly support multilateralism and global trade, said Qin Jie, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, in Mumbai.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the International Business Conclave at Advantage Vidarbha 2026 in Nagpur, Qin Jie said trade ties between the two neighbours are resilient and not easily influenced by outside pressures.
“India is a very big economy and China is also a very large economy. Both countries support multilateralism, multilateral trade and cultural exchanges,” he said when asked about the future of bilateral trade amid India signing trade agreements with other global partners.
Commenting on India’s growing engagements with the United States and the European Union, the Chinese diplomat said New Delhi is free to shape its international relationships. However, he emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between India and China. “We should continue cooperation, strengthen ties and maintain communication across multiple fields,” he added.
On whether India should reconsider Press Note 3 (2020), which mandates prior government approval for foreign direct investment from countries sharing land borders with India, Qin Jie said he had seen reports indicating that India may already be exploring certain relaxations. “This would be a very positive step. Our investors, businesses and communities need to come together and there is vast potential for cooperation in areas such as culture, education and the arts,” he noted.
Issued in April 2020, Press Note 3 was introduced to regulate FDI from neighbouring countries.
The Consul General said China is keen to expand mutual engagement, two-way exchanges and friendship with India.
Addressing the ‘China Plus One’ strategy, Qin Jie said the two countries should focus on collaboration rather than competition. He pointed out that China’s strength in manufacturing complements India’s capabilities in software and services. “We should explore how we can work together, instead of discussing who replaces whom,” he said.
The China Plus One strategy refers to companies diversifying investments and supply chains beyond China to other destinations.
(UNI)
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