On July 24, 2011, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with a delegation from the Japanese Association for the Promotion of International Trade headed by Yohei Kono, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, at the Great Hall of the People.

Wen recalled his visit to Japan and attendance of China-Japan-ROK Leaders Meeting in May this year. During that visit, Wen travelled to the cities which were hit hard by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. He also exchanged in-depth views and reached a range of consensus with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on such major topics as improving China-Japan relations and enhancing cooperation on Japan's post-disaster reconstruction. Wen added that the two countries are enjoying increasing trade cooperation, cultural and personnel exchanges and share expanding common interests, which have been hard-earned and should be cherished. "The two sides should grasp the opportunity provided by China's transformation of the development mode and Japan's reconstruction following the earthquake and tsunami disasters in March, tap their respective advantages and actively explore new cooperation areas so as to bring benefit to both peoples and promote regional peace and development," Wen said.

The Japanese people have been deeply moved and encouraged by the strong support given by China's leaders and people when Japan was in its most difficult time following the disaster, said Kono. He said China's fast economic growth has provided important opportunities for Japan. He said that he hopes the two sides will increase cooperation in trade and investment and accommodate each other's concerns to achieve mutual benefit.

Wen also answered questions from Japanese entrepreneurs.