Vice Chairman Wei Gianguo Meets with Israeli Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs Ministry Yaffa Ben-Ari

Vice Chairman Wei Gianguo Meets with Israeli Deputy Director General of Foreign Affairs Ministry Yaffa Ben-Ari

CCIEE vice chairman Wei Gianguo met with Israel deputy director general of Foreign Affairs Ministry Yaffa Ben-Ari on January 29^th 2015, discussing China’s economy, bilateral trade and other international issues. Also present were heads of departments of External Affairs and Economic Research of CCIEE.

 Mr. Wei said China’s GDP increased 7.4% last year and China’s economy is experiencing a gear-shifting period. Its top priority is to change the driving force of economic growth from government-led investment to consumption.

China needs to work on its ability in innovation, said Mr. Wei, and we should learn from Israel in this regard. China-Israel trade and economic cooperation is endowed with huge potential, especially in the areas of education reform and agricultural innovation. Speaking of the recent development in EU-Russian relations, Mr. Wei expressed that the economic sanction against Russia is a double-edged sword. He hopes that the EU and Russia could develop side by side and maintain good relations with China.

Ms. Yaffa Ben-Ari said that China is playing an increasing important role in international arena, and Israel highly cherishes the relationship with China. The two countries are complementary in economy and should deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

The two of them also exchanged views on such issues as China’s West Development Strategy，currency SWAP and think tank exchanges. Vice chairman Wei also asked Ms. Ben-Ari to recommend Israeli former government officials and top think tank to participate in the forthcoming Fourth Global Think Tank Summit, which will be hosted by CCIEE at the end of June this year.