Calcutta: China is keen to explore free trade opportunities with India to boost bilateral ties between the two Asian counties.

On the next level of trade development, Ma Zhanwu, the consul-general of China, said, "There are barriers for trade and investments between China and India. That's why the governments of the two countries are working hard."

"I hear they are working on certain agreements. China believes that a free trade agreement with India will greatly facilitate trade, investment and other exchanges. So, we will continue to pursue such agreements in months and years," Zhanwu said at a session organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce here on Saturday.

The consul-general further said after the Doklam stand-off a new chapter has begun with the Wuhan informal summit between the leaders of the two countries.

On the "informal summit" between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, he said bilateral relations would get a boost on the back of this meeting.

On the increasing instances of global trade wars, Zhanwu said developed countries were keen to see China and India open up their market even as they themselves restricted access. Current talks have taken into account the developing global situation in this regard, Zhanwu added.

The diplomat further said an education expo at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre was on the anvil, where as many as 62 universities from China will participate.