Li urges linking with Germany's industrial strategy

China and Germany will give impetus to further cooperation in upgrading the manufacturing sector by embracing the latest automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies, Premier Li Keqiang said while meeting with visiting German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday in Beijing.

"I hope both countries will make every effort to promote the linking of 'Made in China 2025' and Germany's 'Industry 4.0' strategy and make breakthroughs in cooperation on high-speed trains designed for third-party markets to stimulate economic growth," Li said.

"Industry 4.0", a strategy Germany set in motion in 2013, has been regarded as a fourth industrial revolution leading the way for manufacturers around the world. China put forward its "Made in China 2025" strategy last year to transform from rough manufacturing to more value-added production. The two strategies have a common goal of improving industrial production.