As developing countries, China and India face the same challenges in development and sustainable development, though we have different national conditions. Moreover, the two economies are highly mutual and complementary. China is the "world factory," with advantages in manufacturing, agriculture and special zones construction. And India, as the "world office," has strong points in information technology, software in particular, pharmaceuticals and the service industry. I think that as long as both sides diversify the scope of cooperation and improve quality, our economic ties will enjoy rapid development.

But trade frictions also grow with the volume. The number of India's anti-dumping investigations against China is just behind that of the EU. I hope that India will do more on this issue to carefully handle disputes in bilateral transactions. Another problem, I think, is the limited scope on commodities and fields of trade. We should expand the scope of trade. Moreover, China and India should enhance investments in each other. Healthy economic ties are a lubricant for better and closer political ties. I am optimistic about the future of bilateral economic ties.

China.org.cn: What should China and India do to enhance cooperation on global issues? And what's your expectation for our future?

Zeng: As the two emerging powers, China and India have cooperated through many mechanisms such as the BRICs [Brazil, Russia, India and China], the basic four [China, Brazil, India and South Africa], the developing five [China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Mexico] and the China-Russia-India troika. We also collaborate with other emerging countries to play a constructive role on protecting the interests of developing countries and improving our status in the G-20 and 8+5. On fighting the global financial crisis and climate change, energy and food security, Doha Round of negotiations, China and India face the same opportunities and challenges. As the two biggest developing countries, China and India need same stable and peaceful environment to maintain momentum. Thus, a favorable and friendly neighbor relationship will benefit both.

Of course, China and India have conflicts because of their social systems, ideologies, cultural traditions, religions and issues left over from the past, such as border disputes. It's common for countries to have disputes with each other, like the teeth and tongue. We can hold negotiations to resolve problems. For those that cannot be resolved now, we can put it aside and wait for our descendants to crack those nuts. What we should do is to keep the situation from deteriorating. In conclusion, the total populations of China and India account for nearly half of the global amount. Both sides should work together to enhance communication and trust with each other; should stick to a principle of peace, friendship and cooperation, and not take each other as a rival. The rise of both China and India will change the look of Asia and benefit the world.

(China.org.cn by Li Shen March 25, 2010)