China to help upgrade US transport network

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with a delegation of US congressmen led by Bill Shuster (L), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug 16, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is willing to export technology and equipment to the United States and take part in its upgrading of transport infrastructure, Premier Li Keqiang said on Saturday, when meeting a visiting US delegation.

"China has made great progress in the construction of transport infrastructure...while continuing to strengthen domestic facilities, we will promote advanced technologies and equipment such as high-speed rail to international market,"Li told Bill Shuster, chairman of the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee who led the delegation.

Previously, Li has helped Chinese companies bid for international rail construction projects in Africa, Europe and Asia.

The Obama administration announced in 2011 it planned to spend $53 billion over the next six years on high speed rail.

Timothy Stratford, a partner at the Beijing office of Covington & Burling, earlier said that Chinese investors are facing great opportunities as the US is planning big on upgrading its transport facilities.

Shuster, who led the largest delegation of US congressmen to China in recent years, said most members are on their first trip to China and are eager to get a full picture of the world's second largest economy. Shuster said the US welcomes China's rising role in regional and international affairs.

Li said China and the US should work together and promote exchanges between governments, parliaments and parties under the spirit of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences.

He thanked Shuster for a message of condolence to victims of the Ludian earthquake, which claimed hundreds of lives and said China is capable of post-disaster reconstruction in the quake-leveled area.

Contact the writer at zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn