Chinese premier calls for closer cooperation in environmental protection with Germany

Source: Xinhua | 01-30-2009 08:15

BERLIN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here Thursday that China is ready to enhance cooperation with Germany in resource conservation and environmental protection.

The Chinese government, which gives high priority to resource conservation and environmental protection, has laid down a national program on fighting climate change, Wen said at a forum on China-Germany economic and technological cooperation.

In his speech, the premier called on the international community to promote technological development concerning climate change.

"Cooperation in technological transfer in this regard shall be strengthened so as to help the developing countries get the advanced greenhouse gas control technology in a timely manner," Wen said.

China and Germany have carried out fruitful cooperation in coalmine safety, waste disposal, energy-conserving technology and renewable energy, said the premier.

"The two sides shall also conduct cooperation in clean coal, low carbon technology, new energy automobile and energy-saving building," he added.

On cooperation in high-tech area, the Chinese premier said he saw great prospect for cooperation between China and Germany on information technology, biology, new material and new energy.

China is striving to strengthen its innovation capacity, Wen said, adding that the country is beefing up efforts in strengthening intellectual property protection.

Wen also urged the European Union to lift its export restriction on high-tech products to China so as to pave the way for comprehensive bilateral high-tech cooperation.

The Chinese premier arrived in Berlin late Wednesday on the second leg of his week-long European tour.

Before his arrival in Germany, Wen visited Switzerland and attended the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. The trip will also take him to the European Union headquarters, Spain and Britain.

Editor:Liu Anqi