While addressing members of the Pune branch of the Top Management Club, the consul general pointed out that there was immense scope for developing trade between the two countries which should not be affected by the politics of the day.

``Let us not let issues like India's nuclear power status come between us. Developing good neighbourly and friendly relations with India is the base for promoting bilateral trade between China and India.'' However, other than the delegation's visit the consul general pointed out that there was nothing concrete happening on trade relations right now.

``Statistic show that the total trade volume between China and India was only US $ 265 million in 1991, whereas in 1997 it rose to US $ 1,830 million.'' This, according to him, reflected a 30 per cent increase indicating the immense scope for trade that lay between the two countries.

The key to enhancing bilateral trade, said Quanheng, was to strengthen cooperation of economic technology. As both countries were engaged in economic construction, each side ``should give full play to its specialties and take part in the other side's projects in economic construction.''

Pointing out that India had made rapid advances in the information industry and software technology it was natural that they hook up with China which had an advantage in world competition in technology and the prices of mechanical and electrical products.

``We should also research the market of mutual investment'' said the consul general. ``India has already made some investment in China and China's investment in India is still in the beginning stage,'' he said. The members of the Top Management Club have offered their services to all industrialists and businessmen in the city who put forward their proposals for joint ventures with China when the delegation comes visiting.