'India better business destination under PM Modi'.

AHMEDABAD: A two-member delegation from Beijing-based think tank, China Institutes for Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), is in the city to acquire a better understanding of the Gujarat model of development. The team would also try to find out whether it is possible for the new Indian government to replicate this model on a national scale.

CICIR is one of the largest Chinese think tanks devoted to the analysis of political, economic and security policy-related developments at global, regional and national level. It has members from several leading institutes of China.

Speaking at an interactive session with local industry and businesses at CII house on Monday, officials of the CICIR delegation said that election of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister means more trade opportunities for China in India.

"Both India and China have seen difficult times. We are still working to improve our political relations," said Wang Shida of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceanic Studies (ISSAOS), China, who was chosen for the two-member CICIR delegation. The other member of the delegation, Song Qingrun, is executive unit chief, Bay of Bengal Rim Unit, ISSAOS, China.

The CICIR delegation arrival days before Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi's visit to India on June 8 is being seen as crucial. Wang Yi would is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj during his visit.

The delegation also expressed pleasure over Modi's decision to invite SAARC leaders for the swearing-in ceremony. "A lot of harsh words were used by Modi against China and Pakistan during the election campaign but inviting all SAARC leaders has sent out a strong positive signal. Engaging with Pakistan and discussion on Lahore declaration is a positive step," said Wang Shida.

During his interaction with members of local industry who attended the session, Wang Shida identified sectors such as infrastructure and manufacturing where the two Asian giants can work together. "We are quite optimistic about India's economy and Sino-India relations. In the next decade, we will see intense collaboration between the two countries," said Wang Shida.

According to rough estimates the bilateral trade between India and China is worth over $70 billion while China's investment in India is more than $1 billion. The delegation is also looking for solutions to reduce the existing bilateral trade imbalance which is hugely tilted in favour of China.

He also stressed on India and China's role in bringing regional stability in South Asia. "The existing issues between the two countries should not limit our potential for growth. We will have to reach out to each other," he said.

Wang Shida and Song Qingrun were accompanied by former Indian diplomat Kishan Rana. They met several top officials of the state government and are also planning to visit IIM Ahmedabad, GIFT City and Dahej SEZ.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com