New Delhi (IANS): India may soon be allowed to export basmati rice to China, Commerce Secretary G.K. Pillai said here Thursday. "We have discussed the issue with the Chinese government. We are hopeful that we would get a formal approval in the near future," he told reporters after holding talks with a visiting Chinese team, led by Vice-Minister for Commerce Zhong Shan. Basmati, a long grain rice famous for its aroma, is grown mainly in the upper areas of the Gangetic Plains, on both sides of the India-Pakistan border.

The Chinese minister said the problems between the two countries over exports and other trade issues were being resolved through talks.

India and China have reached a consensus that officials from both countries will meet every three months to remove impediments that may come in the way of bilateral trade.

"We recognise the fact that the two countries account for 35 percent of the world population and have a huge market," said Mr. Shan.

He added that China would continue to support India at G20 and the world Trade Organisation (WTO).

Mr. Shan said India's concern that Chinese goods were being dumped in its domestic market was also discussed and the issue would be followed up.

He, however, refused to share his view on the World Bank assessment that Chinese economic growth would moderate to 6 percent this fiscal.