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China to step up FTA talks in 2016: official

Xinhua, January 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

China will pursue more free trade agreements (FTAs) this year, an official said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson Shen Danyang said China aims to conclude Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) talks this year.

"China will work with various parties to strive for early conclusion of the RCEP talks in 2016," said Shen.

The RCEP talks involved 10 ASEAN member states and six dialogue partners - China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Negotiators have reached a consensus on key points in goods and service trade and investment.

"China will improve communication and cooperation with other parties to conclude the talks, which are important to market access, industrial cooperation and economic outlook," Shen said.

Shen said China also expects the China-Singapore FTA upgrade to complete this year, and is eyeing breakthroughs in negotiations with Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as talks with Sri Lanka, Maldives and Pakistan.

In addition, efforts will be made to restart talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council as soon as possible, accelerate strategic studies on an Asia-Pacific free trade area, launch negotiations on a China-Israel free trade area in due time, and push froward FTA talks with countries involved in the Belt and Road initiative, he added.

China has signed and implemented 14 FTAs covering 22 countries and regions across Asia, Latin America, Oceania and Europe. Endi