Premier Li Keqiang called for joint Sino-US efforts in promoting the negotiation on the bilateral investment treaty (BIT), during a meeting with former US secretary of the treasury Henry Paulson on Oct 20.

Premier Li appreciated the Paulson Institute for its contribution to bilateral cooperation and hoped that it will continue to serve as a bridge between the two countries.

Premier Li said China attaches great importance to the BIT negotiation. Investment cooperation between China and United States offers a positive signal to the world, which is suffering from economic downtown, sluggish international trade and rising protectionism, said the Premier. He hoped that both sides can work together to push forward the negotiation for mutual benefit.

China will first introduce the management model of pre-establishment national treatment (PENT) with a negative list to the BIT talks with a foreign country, Premier Li said.

Paulson said Premier Li’s interaction with some American elites at UN meetings in New York last month had a positive effect. In addition, the Paulson Institute will work hard to promote cooperation with China.