'Conditions right' for China, Japan trade agreement

A free-trade agreement between China and Japan will boost relations and benefit both countries, a former trade official said.

"Now is a good time for China and Japan to discuss starting FTA negotiations," said Wei Jianguo, former vice-minister of commerce and secretary-general of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, during the Beijing-Tokyo Forum which ended on Tuesday in Tokyo.

"Rapidly growing trade and the surge of Japanese investment into China have established conditions for both countries to start FTA talks."