Protection agreement to be signed the year end

Chen Deming, the Minister of Commerce, says it’s expected to see the sign of investment protection agreement amid <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />China, Japan and South Korea within the year.  He also indicates the three countries hope to initiate the negotiation at the close of the research on free trade agreement, the words given at the Japan-China High-Level Economic dialogue.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

As reported, China has signed the agreement fro free trade with the following countries, such as: ASEAN members, Pakistan, Iceland, Chile, Peru, Costa Rica and New Zealand. Negotiations alike are on the way presently with Australia and Mongolia.