国内英语新闻:Chinese premier urges Japanese entrepreneurs to help enhance bilateral ties

TOKYO, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao called on Japanese entrepreneurs Monday to make further contributions to the cooperation between the two countries.

Addressing a welcome luncheon given in his honor by the Japanese Business Federation, the Chinese premier briefed the participants on what the Chinese government has achieved in tackling the global financial turmoil, as well as China's current economic situation and its major tasks.

Wen said great progress has been made in bilateral economic and trade relations since the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1972. China and Japan have become a major trade partner to each other, bringing their economic ties increasingly closer and paving the way for a greater future for cooperation.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao addresses the welcome luncheon held by Japanese business group in Tokyo, capital of Japan, May 31, 2010.

Responding to questions from Japanese entrepreneurs, the Chinese premier expressed his hope that the two countries would always keep in mind the long-term development of the bilateral ties, continue to draw on each other's strength, broaden cooperation in energy conservation, environmental protection, circular economy so as to achieve a win-win result.

Premier Wen noted that the Japanese business community has all along been committed to promoting the friendly cooperation between the two countries, serving as a major force to boost the bilateral ties and a key link between the two peoples. It is his hope that Japanese entrepreneurs will further contribute to economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.

Hiromasa Yonekura, president of the Japanese Business Federation, said Japanese entrepreneurs have confidence in China's future development and are ready to blaze new trails in pushing forward the bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

Premier Wen arrived here on Sunday for a three-day official visit. Japan is the second leg of his four-nation Asian tour, which has taken him to South Korea. He will also visit Mongolia and Myanmar.