MUMBAI - A high-level and professional forum has discussed how to build China-India business strategic and cooperative relationship, and promote the economic development of the two countries.

More than 30 representatives attended the China-India Business Strategy and Cooperation Opportunity Forum in India's financial hub Mumbai on Tuesday, which is hosted by China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable and India-China association for the promotion of economy and culture.

In the opening ceremony, P.S. Deodhar, chairman of India-China association for the promotion of economy and culture, said India and China should become cooperative partners not business rivals, and the current first priority for the two countries is to seek strategic cooperation.

Zhang Guobao, director of consultancy association for China national energy committee, agreed with what Mr.Deodhar said.

He said China and India has a long-standing cooperation. Though China is widely considered as the most important investor among many Asian developing economies, in fact, many investment projects are fulfilled with the cooperation between the two countries.

The prospect of mutual cooperation between the two countries is good, especially in telecommunication and finance, which will undoubtedly brings actual benefits to China and India, said Zheng Xinli, vice chairman of China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

He suggested that China and India launch and build Asia investment bank and Asia agriculture bank, which is discussed and justified by the Brics, or major five emerging economies, and it will bring about new opportunity for strengthening regional economic cooperation and the development of the Asian economy as a whole.

When it comes to the problems that Chinese companies always face in India, such as taxation and employee visa, Indian participants brainstormed and came up with new better ways. Moreover, they expressed their willingness to cooperate with Chinese counterparts.

China Daily Asia Leadership Roundtable is established on the success of the China Daily CEO Roundtable (established in 2004).