China, Germany underline importance of cooperation in dealing with difficulties

Premier Li Qiang and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz delivered speeches at the closing ceremony of the 11th China-Germany Forum for Economic and Technological Cooperation in Berlin on Tuesday, an event that was attended by more than 200 representatives from the nations' business communities.

Li said that under the current situation of intertwined changes, strengthening cooperation is the right thing to do for mutual benefit, and economic and technological cooperation should be the cornerstone in the general trend of globalization and free trade.

Li pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Germany have carried out wide and in-depth cooperation in the past 50 years, and the key has been the spirit of mutual respect, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and striving for win-win outcomes with pragmatism.

He stressed that China and Germany should deepen economic and technological cooperation and set an example for China-Europe mutually beneficial cooperation and for promoting global development.

Scholz said that Germany will not go against globalization, and will adhere to an open policy, continue to collaborate with China, and accelerate bilateral cooperation in the post-epidemic period.

Germany, he added, is willing to resolve the problems existing in bilateral cooperation through communication and dialogue.

Before attending the forum, Li and Scholz also attended a roundtable with more than 30 representatives of Chinese and German entrepreneurs.

Li said that cooperation is the only and best way to deal with difficulties, and governments should create a good and stable business environment, and added that China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, and create a world-class business environment that is market-oriented and based on the rule of law.

Li said he hopes Germany will maintain its open market and provide a fair, transparent, non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises as the two countries have broad space for cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and green development.

The entrepreneurs attending the meeting said that China and Germany are important partners, and the business communities support open policies, hope mechanisms such as the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee could be given full play, and strengthen exchanges and high-level cooperation.

Wu Zhenglong, China's state councilor, also participated in the activities.