Open China market to Indian IT, Pharma: Montek

"I believe the Chinese side is aware of our market access concerns," said Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia at the first Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) between the two countries here.

Praising the giant strides made by China in its economic development, he said that India looks to China to open its markets for IT and Pharma.

"Taking a strategic view of our relationship, I hope that they would consider a more positive approach in sectors like IT and Pharmaceuticals, where I believe Indiascompetitiveness is not in doubt, and where there is great unrealised potential," said Ahluwalia.

Although the bilateral trade crossed USD 61 billion this year, India was left with deficit of over USD 40.9 billion due to accelerated exports from China.

Besides pressing China to open its IT and pharmaceutical market, which Indian official think holds huge potential, India also conducted high voltage campaigns to raise awareness in China about the strides Indian companies made in the two sectors.

"This will not only help project our overall economic partnership as a win-win situation but give Chinese companies more options in their own growth trajectory," Ahluwalia argued.

"I would encourage our Chinese colleagues to be equally candid about expressing their concerns. Both sides should discuss ways of improving the investment climate as that is essential to raise our economic relationship to a higher level," he added. .