Foreign and Military Affairs
Premier Wen proposes to advance economic, trade links with France
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-22 02:07
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BEIJING: China proposed on Monday to advance its economic and trade relations with France to a new level by taking the opportunities that may emerge when tackling global challenges including the financial crisis and climate change.
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Premier Wen Jiabao made the remarks when meeting with visiting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, who witnessed an unveiling ceremony of the biggest new energy joint venture between the two countries Monday morning.
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"We should follow the opening and win-win principles, oppose trade protectionism, and take effective measures to help bilateral trade resume growth at an early date," Wen proposed.
Statistics showed that the China-France trade volume has been falling since the third quarter of 2008, with China's exports to France declining significantly.
According to China's customs data for the first three quarters of this year, the two countries' trade volume was about $24.6 billion, down 15.6 percent from the same period last year. It was the first year-on-year decline since 1996.
Wen proposed the two nations increase cooperation in major projects concerning such sectors as nuclear energy, aviation and transport, while environmental protection, new energy and green economy be fostered into new growth momentum in bilateral cooperation.
He also urged expansion of mutual investment and support to exchanges and cooperation between small and medium sized enterprises.
"China is also ready to strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges with France to expand the foundation of public support for bilateral friendship," Wen said.
Hailing the relations between China and France, both as influential nations, Wen said it had exerted important influence on international political situation and brought great benefits for the two nations and the two peoples.
As currently the world situation was witnessing great development, profound changes and broad adjustment, China-France ties should cement its stability, maintain its comprehensiveness and strengthen its strategic nature, Wen noted.
He said the two sides should take care of each other's core interests and major concerns in an earnest manner, increase mutual political trust, and push forward the bilateral ties to move in the right direction for healthy and stable development.
"We will expand exchanges with France in various levels and increase strategic dialogue and coordination to make unswerving efforts to build a just and reasonable international political and economic order," Wen said.
