Open China market to Indian IT, Pharma: Montek

India on Monday urged China to open its huge markets to Indian IT and pharma products to bring about balance in bilateral trade.

"I believe the Chinese side is aware of our market access concerns," said Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia at the first Strategic Economic Dialogue between the two countries in Beijing.

Praising the giant strides made by China in its economic development, he said that India looks to China to open its markets for IT and Pharma.

"Taking a strategic view of our relationship, I hope that they would consider a more positive approach in sectors like IT and Pharmaceuticals, where I believe India's competitiveness is not in doubt, and where there is great unrealised potential," said Ahluwalia.

Although the bilateral trade crossed $61 billion this year, India was left with deficit of over $40.9 billion because of accelerated exports from China.

Besides pressing China to open its IT and pharmaceutical market, which Indian official think holds huge potential, India also conducted high voltage campaigns to raise awareness in China about the strides Indian companies made in the two sectors.

"This will not only help project our overall economic partnership as a win-win situation but give Chinese companies more options in their own growth trajectory," Ahluwalia argued.

"I would encourage our Chinese colleagues to be equally candid about expressing their concerns. Both sides should discuss ways of improving the  investment climate as that is essential to raise our economic relationship to a higher level," he added.

Ahluwalia said India is also interested in stepping up cooperation with China on railways development.

"I am very happy that this group will also provide an opportunity for interaction between our senior railway officials. We view this as a critical area for development of infrastructure and also promotion of energy efficiency."

Apparently referring to strides made by China in high speed train technology and network, he said, "We are aware of China's impressive achievements in the railways sector.

"Our past exchanges have been relatively limited. I believe we can do better and I hope that we can look at the future with a more open mind."

The discussions on railway related issues were conducted by Vinay Mittal, Chairman Railway Board, Kul Bhushan, adviser (electrical) and R K Jain Adviser (Infrastructure) of the Railway Board.

Two sides also held in-depth talks on 'Energy Conservation and Environment Protection' issues.

The talks on these issues is very important as India envision a broader economic collaboration, Ahluwalia said.

"A better understanding of energy efficiency policies and practices in our respective countries as well as policies on renewable energy, specially wind, solar power and other renewables could be the basis for building more partnerships between our enterprises," he said.

On China's economic development, Ahluwalia said, "Our two countries today share many commonalities. Your achievements in transforming your economy are well recognised all over the world.

We in India are deeply impressed by your progress and we believe there are many lessons from your experience that may be valuable to us," Ahluwalia said.

Image: Montek Singh Ahluwalia