Chinese premier calls for joint efforts with Germany in trade liberalization,

BERLIN - Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday called for joint efforts to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation during his visit to Germany.

In face of global uncertainties, anti-globalization sentiment and rising protectionism in the world, China and Germany should continue to promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation and safeguard the regulations of the World Trade Organization, Li said during talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

The Chinese premier is on a two-day official visit to Germany for an annual meeting between the two heads of government, a mechanism that has been in place since 2004.

Li said China hopes that the two countries will work together to offset global uncertainties with a stable bilateral relationship, so as to send positive signals of stability, cooperation and development to regions and the world at large.

China and Germany have fostered a fast-developing and more mature relationship with closer high-level exchanges, rapidly-growing trade and investments, and new achievements in the field of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Li said, adding that the two countries should continue to consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation and enhance communication in a spirit of mutual respect and equality.

Noting that the two countries enjoy complementary economic advantages, highly interwoven interests and great potential for cooperation, Li said China will work to better conjoin the "Made In China 2025" blueprint and Germany's "Industrial 4.0" strategy, and promote two-way opening up with equality in order to make the cake of bilateral cooperation bigger.

China is willing to work with Germany to deepen cooperation in such fields as manufacturing, energy, aviation, innovation, education, culture and tourism, as well as cooperation between two countries' small-and-medium-sized enterprises, Li said.

The Chinese premier also called on Germany to help China-developed large passenger plane C919 get an airworthiness certificate from the European Union (EU).

The twin-engine C919 made a maiden flight on May 5 in Shanghai with five crew members on board but no passengers. The success makes China the fourth jumbo jet producer after the United States, Western Europe and Russia.

With a standard range of 4,075 km, the narrow-body jet is comparable with updated Airbus 320 and Boeing's new generation 737 planes, signaling the country's entry into the global aviation market.

Besides, Li noted that China supports Germany in hosting a successful G20 summit scheduled for July in Hamburg, saying China is willing to jointly promote the global economic governance for a strong, sustainable and balanced world economic growth.

When it comes to the European integration process, Li said that as a comprehensive strategic partner of the EU, China is glad to see a solidary, prosperous and stable Europe as it will be conducive to the world multipolarization and economic globalization.

Noting that Germany is a reliable partner of China, Merkel said bilateral relations enjoy a strong momentum and sound cooperation. It is of great significance to maintain close high-level dialogues considering the current global situation, she said.

Germany will join hands with China to further strengthen communication and cooperation in various fields including trade and investment, finance, new-energy vehicles, healthcare, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges in the spirit of mutual benefits and win-win outcome, Merkel added.

She said her country will implement the "Industrial 4.0" strategy's combination with China's "Made In China 2025" blueprint, and expand cooperation with China under the framework of the G20.

Merkel expressed appreciation for China's support for the European integration, and wished for a fruitful meeting between Li and EU leaders.

Li and Merkel also exchanged in-depth views over global and regional issues of common concern.

Ahead of the annual meeting, Merkel held a solemn welcoming ceremony for Li at the German Chancellery.

Germany is the first leg of Li's three-day Europe tour that will also take him to Belgium.

In Brussels, the Chinese premier will co-chair the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and pay an official visit to Belgium.