NOVO-OGARYOVO, Moscow region, September 14 (Itar-Tass) — Trade turnover between Russia and China may reach $ 200 billion by 2020, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Wednesday as he met with Chinese Parliament Speaker Wu Bangguo.
He noted an encouraging development of bilateral relations in all the spheres.
"In spite of showings of the crisis, we're rebuilding the potential and growth is really impressive," Putin said. "If things go on this way, our trade will likely reach $ 70 billion at the yearend, $ 100 or so billion by 2015 and $ 200 billion by 2020."
He thanked members of the Chinese parliamentary delegation for cooperating with Russian MPs, saying he finds it to be very important for the promotion of bilateral relations.
“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration at all to say China is a strategic partner for us,” Putin said. “We’re resolving common tasks and problems and we have identical viewpoints as regards many processes unfolding in the world community.”
Wu Bangguo said, on his part, Russia’s economy is showing high rates of development and its successes meet China’s interests.
He also called Vladimir Putin a friend of China, adding that Russia scored significant achievements over the ten years that Putin has been holding the posts of President and then Prime Minister.
“This helped you win love of the Russians and respect in China,” Wu said.
He recalled Russia’s ambitious plans to secure a place for itself among the world’s top five economies, which means that the Gross Domestic Product per capita will then reach $ 35,000.
These plans are quite feasible, Wu said.