Premier offers 6-point proposal for Sino-UK cooperation
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-05-12 11:55

Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao made a six-point proposal for enhancing Sino-British cooperation Monday evening.

Premier Wen Jiabao speaks at a dinner hosted by the China-Britain Business Council, outlining a six-point plan for cooperation. [Xinhua]

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the China-Britain Business Council, Wen said that with economic globalization deepening, the new science and technology revolution unfolding and the cross-border movement of industries and technology accelerating, China and Britain should pursue comprehensive cooperation and aim high.

Stressing that "comprehensive" means all-around cooperation in a wide range of areas and "aim high" means high-level and high-quality cooperation, Wen set forth his six-point proposal aimed at boosting complementary and amicable cooperation between the two countries.

First, China welcomes an active role of the British business community in the transformation and reconstruction of the old industrial bases in Northeast China. As Britain boasts rich experience and considerable technological strength in transforming traditional industries, this can be an excellent area for cooperation between the two countries.

Second, China is ready to step up exchanges and cooperation with Britain in the areas of financial stability and financial services.

"We would welcome active participation of the British financial sector in the reform and development of China's banking, securities and insurance sectors," Wen told the audience.

Third, China hopes to step up energy cooperation with Britain. It would like to expand cooperation in the exploration and development of oil and gas resources, research and development of energy-conserving technologies, new energies and the use of renewable energy.

Wen also said China will encourage the two sides to expand exchanges and deepen cooperation in hi-tech areas.

"China and Britain have much to cooperate in such hi-tech areas as biotechnology, information and new materials. Our two countries may cooperate in agricultural breeding, preventing and treating deadly diseases, food security and other fields. We may also share more of each other's science and technology resources, facilitate the mutual opening of hi-tech programs and coordinate in major international science cooperation projects," Wen said.

"We look forward to all forms of cooperation in education and more cultural exchanges," he added.

According to the proposal, China supports more bilateral exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection.

"We will further open our market of environmental infrastructure and industry, and encourage and support participation of foreign investors, British investors included, in China's environmental protection and eco-system improvement," Wen said.

During the speech, Wen also pointed out that the comprehensive Sino-British cooperation needs a good and stable political foundation.

The relations between China and Britain have gradually matured in the past half a century, he said.

"Given the differences in social system and level of development, it is normal that China and Britain may have different views and opinions on some issues," he said.

"However, they should not become obstacles to the development of our bilateral relationship. In face of a new historic opportunity for Sino-British cooperation, we must have a strategic vision and adopt a forward-looking approach," the Chinese premier noted.

Stressing that both China and Britain must continue to increase their common interests, properly address their differences and their respective concerns, and strive to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, Wen said in conclusion, "Let's redouble our efforts to expand areas of amicable cooperation and embrace a better future."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Britain, which is the largest investor in China among EU countries. Last year, Britain's investment in China amounted to 11.48 billion US dollars.

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