Liquor Chang, Chinese Premier, "Accelerating FTA with Korea and Japan"

[Asia Economy Reporter Sung Kiho] Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced that he will accelerate free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with South Korea and Japan, Hong Kong media reported on the 5th.

Premier Li stated this during the government work report at the 4th annual session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, saying that China will accelerate its participation in international trade, including the Belt and Road Initiative (land and maritime Silk Road) projects and overseas investments.

Li said, "We will accelerate FTA negotiations with South Korea and Japan," and added, "We will also actively consider joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)."

He also added, "In China-US relations, we will promote mutual benefit based on equality and mutual respect."

Premier Li emphasized, "China is ready to work with other countries to achieve mutual benefits based on mutual openness."