Nation open to further free-trade deals

China takes a positive and open attitude toward reaching free-trade deals among BRICS countries, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

So far, China has reached 15 free trade agreements with 23 countries and regions, according to Gao Feng, the ministry's spokesman.

Gao said China is making strenuous efforts to promote related negotiations and conducting joint feasibility studies, in order to further boost regional trade and investment.

"Economic and trade cooperation has always been an important pillar of BRICS relations. We are committed to strengthening economic integration in the area," he told a news conference.

Gao's comments underscored China's resolve to deepen comprehensive cooperation with other BRICS countries: Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa.

The nations are home to over two-fifths of the world's population, with their combined gross domestic product totaling more than $16 trillion.

During the recently concluded BRICS summit in Xiamen, China announced it would offer 500 million yuan ($76.4 million) for a BRICS-related economic and technology cooperation plan, and another $4 million for projects at the New Development Bank.

Meanwhile, the five nations agreed to further enhance cooperation in such fields as insurance and reinsurance, taxation reform, and customs.

-Jing Shuiyu