China official: Free trade deal benefits China, Peru

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-21 06:34

LIMA -- A free trade agreement between China and Peru is beneficial to both countries, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Yi Xiaozhun said Thursday.

The two countries are far apart but their economies complement each other, Yi said at a news conference in Lima, the Peruvian capital. China and Peru concluded their talks on a free trade agreement and upgraded bilateral ties to a strategic partnership on Wednesday.

The move symbolizes that bilateral ties between the two countries are entering a new era of rapid development, Chinese President Hu Jintao said Wednesday after official talks with his Peruvian counterpart, Alan Garcia.

The president, who arrived in Lima Wednesday for a state visit and to attend the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, urged the two sides to sign and implement the pact at an early date so as to bring benefits to the two peoples as soon as possible.