China to send more purchasing mission overseas

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-05 14:56

China will send more commercial missions overseas to make purchases and investments this year, Commerce Minister Chen Deming said, according to a statement on the central government's website.

"China won't turn to protectionism just because of some temporary difficulties in its economic development," Chen said at a London briefing after Group of 20 policymakers agreed on steps to combat a global recession. "As the crisis worsens, people increasingly realize the necessity and urgency of rejecting protectionism."

Chen also said China supports the G20 agreement to extend its ban on protectionism until the end of 2010, and urged progress on the stalled Doha Round trade negotiations.

Chinese companies spent more than $13 billion during a purchasing tour in February to Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the UK. A follow-up mission of 48 businessmen visited those four countries last month to explore potential investments.

The ministry will send a business group on a buying 10-day trip in Washington, Chicago and San Francisco later this month, earlier reports said.