Jiang said the development of constructive and cooperative relations between the United States and China was in the common interests of the two peoples and conducive to world peace and development.

After China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Jiang said, a new period for the development of Sino-US economic relations and trade would come. He hoped IBM and other US enterprises would seize opportunities, enhance cooperation with China and contribute to the growth of ties and trade links.

Gerstner briefed Jiang on the latest developments in the information technology industry and put forward his suggestions to China's IT industry.

IBM would increase cooperation with China and continue its efforts to develop bilateral ties, he said.

(eastday.com September 27, 2002)