Ministers agree on infrastructure development

Analysts say trust is essential for progress on tackling range of economic issues

China and Japan inched a tentative step closer as finance ministers from the two countries met for the first time in more than three years over the weekend and agreed to work together where they can to facilitate infrastructure development in Asia.

The two countries will "promote infrastructure development in Asia, including through coordination with development financial institutions, on the basis of common interests", according to a joint statement released by Chinese Finance Minister Lou Jiwei and his counterpart Taro Aso after their meeting on Saturday.