CRI听力：中美经济关系论谈

China and the United States have concluded their two-day strategic economic dialogue in Washington, reaching consensus in areas including financial services, aviation, environment and energy.

CRI Washington correspondent Liu Wei reports.

Reporter: Co-chaired by Chinese vice premier Wu Yi and US treasury secretary Henry Paulson, the second Sino-US strategic dialogue mainly focused on four topics: the service industry, energy and environment, balanced economic growth and innovation. Thirty-three minister-level officials from both sides attended the dialogue.

Addressing the closing ceremony in Washington DC, Vice Premier Wu Yi called this dialogue a complete success, with some concrete results achieved.

"Energy cooperation and environmental protection is a focus of this dialogue. Both sides have much common interests in this field. Through this dialogue, we reached consensus and positive achievements. Discussion on innovation is another highlight of this dialogue. Such discussions lay a sound foundation for future Sino-US cooperation in technological innovation."

US treasury secretary Henry Paulson says although both sides still have much more work to do, they have so far achieved tangible results.

"We agreed today on a wide variety of next steps, including significant items on financial services, energy and environment, and civil aviation. The dialogue will continue, and the spirit of our cooperation will continue as well."

He noted that both the US and China understand that getting their economic relationship right is vital not only to the people of both countries, but to the world economy.

In a civil aviation pact mentioned by Paulson, the two sides agree that daily passenger flights between the United States and China will more than double by 2012, increasing from the current ten to 23. Meanwhile, US air cargo companies will have virtually unlimited access to China.

US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters who also attended the dialogue, called this agreement a breakthrough. 

"We have a breakthrough, a breakthrough agreement that opens more frequent, more affordable and convenient air services between China and the United States. Over the next several years, we estimate that this agreement will generate some 5 billion dollars in new business for our airlines as they take advantages of growing demand for travel between our two countries."

She said this agreement will strengthen both countries' economy, will open opportunities for business, travel, tourism and cultural exchange.