The two sides exchanged views on global economic situation, China's opening and reform policies and other issues of common interest.

At Koehler's request, Zhu introduced China's achievements and development and pointed out that China's fast and healthy economic development is a result of policies that are in tune with the country's conditions.

The premier expressed his satisfaction with the good relations between China and the IMF that have lasted for many years.

Koehler stated his high appreciation of China's outstanding economic achievements in the past 20-odd years, and was positive about the macro-economic managing ability and measures of the Chinese government.

During the global economic slump, China managed to maintain what Koehler called an amazing economic growth of over 7 percent. China has made great changes and achievements over the past few years, and it now has become a stabilizer for both the region and the whole world, he said.

He expressed the hope that the cooperative relations between the IMF and China will make even greater progress.

(People's Daily September 12, 2002)