Vietnam and China should strive to reach bilateral trade of 25 billion USD this year, along with solving a trade imbalance between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Vinh Trong made the remark at a meeting with Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) when the former was in Nanning to attend the seventh China-ASEAN Expo.

Deputy PM Trong also attended the 11 th international fair in Chengdu and visited Guangxi , Sichuan and Yunnan provinces from Oct.19-25.

Deputy PM Trong asked the two sides to maintain high-level visits and meetings and promote cooperation in economics, trade, science and technology, tourism, education and culture for mutual benefit.

He also urged the two sides to solve issues left in the two countries’ relations in the spirit of friendship and fraternal comradeship as well as relevant asked agencies to increase cooperation in rescue on sea.

Vietnam has attached great importance to developing the Vietnam-China strategic and comprehensive cooperative partnership, the Deputy PM said.

CPPCC Chairman Jia welcomed Deputy PM Trong’s attendance to international fairs and visit to several Chinese localities.

He described the visit as Vietnam attaching importance to Vietnam-China relations and support for China ’s hosting of international fairs.

Jia spoke highly of Vietnam ’s achievements in its renewal process and on its increasing international position, especially this year when Vietnam holds the ASEAN Chair.

Addressing an international cooperation forum, part of the international fair in Chengdu , Deputy PM Trong stressed the need to discuss cooperation measures to overcome difficulties from the global financial crisis, and facilitate cooperation in trade, investment and tourism between Vietnam and China ’s western regions.

During meetings with leaders of Guangxi , Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, the Deputy PM emphasised the need to promote economic cooperation, trade, culture, education and tourism between localities of the two countries./.