You're reading: Azarov hopes trade with China reaches $10 billion in 2013

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov has said he hopes that trade between Ukraine and China will reach $10 billion in 2013. 

According to the Ukrainian government’s press service, Azarov said this during a meeting with China’s National Defense Minister Liang Guanglie.

“Our trade and economic relations are developing rather well. I think this year our trade will be almost $10 billion. The intergovernmental commission we created in 2011 is playing an important part in this,” the head of the government said.

He added that Ukraine was ready to intensify its military cooperation with China and expressed hope that the Chinese defense minister’s visit to Ukraine would contribute to the intensification of cooperation.

Azarov also said that the construction of hovercraft by Ukraine for the Chinese army was a good example of bilateral interaction in the defense sphere between the countries. The premier added that the sides’ aerospace cooperation also has good prospects.

In turn, the Chinese official said that his country is eager to intensify strategic cooperation with Ukraine, particularly in the defense sphere.

“China is ready to keep strengthening business cooperation with Ukraine in all spheres, so as to bring the country’s strategic partnership to a new level,” he said.

The minister said Ukraine and China have many prospects for the development of their relations.