China keen to trade with Gujarat: Modi

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said China was keen to extend its cooperation with Gujarat in context of booming economy and ongoing industrial development.

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said China was keen to extend its cooperation with Gujarat in context of booming economy and ongoing industrial development.

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"Zhang Yan, Chinese High Commissioner to India, during his meeting with me in Gandhinagar two days ago, had expressed his desire for cooperation with a progressive state like Gujarat in economic and industrial sector along with cultural relations," Modi said.

The chief minister today inaugurated two fly-overs and laid foundation stones for two more over-bridges and a water tank to be constructed with expenditure of Rs 140 crore.

"Besides presenting details of pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar next month and setting up the fourth chapter of India-China Economic and Cultural Council in Gujarat, the Chinese envoy invited me to visit that country, which I have accepted," he said.

According to Modi, the Chinese envoy took keen interest in development of manufacturing sector in and around Vadodara which is emerging as a manufacturing hub.

"The Chinese high commissioner minutely studied the development taking place in Gujarat and I briefed him," the chief minister said.

He also announced construction of 1.25 lakh houses for urban poor across the state stating 60,000 houses have already been constructed.

Meanwhile, state Urban development Minister Nitin Patel criticised Governor Kamla for appointing Lokayukta bypassing the state government.

Patel informed that the state government has sanctioned Rs 7,000 crore for the development of various infrastructure facilities across the state.

In a related development, police today arrested around 60 Congress workers for waving black flags at Modi.