Widening trade deficit, greater market access for Indian products and investment are among the key issues that Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to discuss with her Chinese counterpart this week.
Sitharaman, who is scheduled to accompany Vice President Hamid Ansari on his official visit to the neighbouring country, is expected to meet her Chinese counterpart Gao Hucheng.
Ansari is visiting China from June 26 to 30 to attend events marking the 60th anniversary of Panchsheel treaty signed between the countries.
"Although China is our biggest trading partner, the trade deficit between India and China is also the highest. The Indian minister would also like to raise issue related with non-tariff barriers and access to IT and pharma sector in China," an official said.
Sitharaman may also ask China to increase investments in India.
"China invests close to USD 100 billion annually in different parts of the world whereas in India they have invested only about USD 400 million in the last 14 years," the official said, adding huge investment opportunities are there in sectors like infrastructure, setting up of industrial parks, railways and ports where Chinese businesses can invest.
The trade deficit between the countries stood at about USD 40 billion presently. In 2013-14, total trade (comprising export and import) stood at USD 65.87 billion.
India at many occasions has raised the issue of market access in China for Indian IT and pharmaceutical firms.
