China, Germany seek stronger cooperation as Merkel visits

China hopes to step up negotiation of a bilateral investment treaty with Europe, he said, vowing to join with the European Union to advocate multilateralism and safeguard multilateral trade system, and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.

As this year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, Li said China will open its door wider to the world.

China will further expand market access, ease restrictions on foreign ownership of joint ventures in automobile and finance industries, enhance protection of intellectual property rights, and accelerate the establishment of a market environment that is in compliance with regulations and fair competition, Li said.

Merkel, who is on her 11th China visit as German chancellor, said her government highly values relations with China.

Germany is ready to enhance cooperation with China in such areas as trade, technology and autopilot, she said, adding Germany hopes to contribute to stronger EU-China ties, and supports to speed up negotiation of EU-China investment treaty.