China to Send More Purchasing Mission Overseas, Minister Says

April 4 (Bloomberg) -- China will send more commercial missions overseas to make purchases and investments this year, Commerce Minister Chen Deming said, according to a statement on the central government’s Web site.

“China won’t turn to protectionism just because of some temporary difficulties in its economic development,” Chen said at a London briefing after Group of 20 policy makers agreed on steps to combat a global recession. “As the crisis worsens, people increasingly realize the necessity and urgency of rejecting protectionism.”

Chen also said China supports the G-20 agreement to extend its ban on protectionism until the end of 2010, and urged progress on the stalled Doha Round trade negotiations.

Chinese companies spent more than $13 billion during a purchasing tour in February to Germany, Switzerland, Spain and the U.K. A follow-up mission of 48 businessmen visited those four countries last month to explore potential investments.

The ministry will send a business group on a buying trip to the U.S. late this month, the 21st Century Business Herald reported last week.

The country imported $1.13 trillion of goods last year.

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