A delegation led by the head of the Japan-China Economic Association, Shindo Kosei, begins a visit to Beijing, the first trip to China by the organization since 2019.

SHINDO KOSEI Head, Japan-China Economic Association "More than 200 representatives from the economic field are in the delegation. We consider China an important economic cooperation partner for Japan and we hope to strengthen the ties."

A welcoming banquet was held on Tuesday evening. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade hosted the event.

The Japan-China Economic Association has sent a delegation to Beijing almost once a year since 1975, but it was suspended for the pandemic.

REN HONGBIN Chairman China Council for the Promotion of International Trade "We should and can make the pie of economic and trade cooperation bigger. Strengthening cooperation in the digital economy, green development, finance, medical care, and elderly care will achieve a higher level of mutual benefit and win-win results."

The delegation will be in Beijing for four days. They're expected to meet with Chinese officials, to discuss economic issues. The business leaders say they will use the opportunity to witness China's rapid growth first-hand.

KURA MASAKAZU Chairman, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry "Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida have agreed on building a strategic and mutually beneficial partnership between the two countries. This visit is a timely event for us to promote and build good cooperation."

CEN ZIYUAN Beijing "The business leaders say they cherish the business ties between China and Japan, and hope to use their visit to fulfill plans agreed upon by both countries' leaders in November, deepening cooperation in the digital economy, green development, finance, and elderly care. Cen Ziyuan, CGTN, BEIJING."