国内英语新闻:China welcomes more U.S. hi-tech exports: spokesman

BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese market has more potential for U.S. exports, especially high-tech products, as only 6.7 percent of overall U.S. exports went to China, said Ministry of Commerce (MOC) spokesman Yao Jian Tuesday.

The two countries were each other's second biggest trade partners, and China was willing to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with the United States to promote more balanced Sino-U.S. trade, Yao said at a press conference in Beijing.

This aim could be reached if the United States reduced restrictions on exports of high-tech commodities to China, said Yao.

Just 7 percent of China's high-tech imports come from the U.S., down from 18 percent in 2003.

China's imports grew faster than exports in the first two months this year. Imports grew 63.6 percent compared to a 31.4-percent growth in exports, figures from the General Administration of Customs show.

Yao said the ministry would make efforts to increase imports this year by relaxing import controls, hosting trade exhibitions, and providing free exhibition space for the least-developed nations.

Zero tariffs would be offered to some under-developed countries or regions to boost bilateral trade.

The MOC would also continue sending Chinese procurement teams to foreign countries this year to raise imports, Yao said.