Treat Chinese companies equally: Yuxi

Calling the two countries 'friends and partners', the ambassdor pitches for no discrimination for better bilateral ties.

Ahead of the visit of Chinese President Hu Jintao to India beginning on Monday, China has asked India not to "discriminate" against its companies citing security concerns and advocated the need for mutual dismantling of trade barriers to enable bilateral business to grow faster.

HT Image

Beijing also has complaints with regard to the visa system in India and wants changes to allow business between the two countries to grow.

"We want there should not be discrimination to Chinese companies," Chinese Ambassador Sun Yuxi said, ahead of Hu's maiden visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties.

"We understand that every country has security concerns but if you allow other foreign countries in any area, Chinese companies should be treated equally because we are friends and partners," he said.

Sun had earlier complained that Chinese companies are barred from investing in India. India has identified various sectors where investments from certain countries, including China is being discouraged because of security concerns.

During Hu's four-day visit, the two countries will sign the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Act (BIPA) and 11 other accords in diverse fields to give a major push to their relations.