China, Holland see better cooperation ahead

China and the Netherlands envisaged a better investment environment and less trade protection during China's top legislator Wu Bangguo's meeting with the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday.

The proposed new dimension of bilateral ties, if brought into existence, will bring more opportunities to industries such as high technology and new energy, among other complementary businesses, analysts said.

Promising a more stable, transparent, standardized and efficient investment environment in China for foreign capital, Wu said he expects equal treatment from Holland toward Chinese enterprises.

“Both sides should continue to act against trade protection and also urge the European Union to use fewer relief measures,” the Chinese top lawmaker said to the Dutch prime minister.

Rutte said the country is opposed to any kind of protectionism but will unwaveringly promote investment and deepen cultural exchanges.

He said the Dutch have always put relations with China on top of their agenda in Holland's diplomacy and the country is willing to expand bilateral ties with China on the basis of a one-China policy, as well as equality and mutual respect.

“We welcome more enterprises and tourists from China to boost a comprehensive cooperation in trade, culture, environment protection and other fields,” he said, naming agricultural technology and new energy resources as two complementary industries.

The Netherlands is the first stop on the lawmaker's two-week European visit, which will also take him to Croatia, Luxemburg and Spain.

Wu's visit came at a time when the Northern European country is expecting an election of the cabinet in September and experiencing a budget deficit, after Rutte and his cabinet resigned in late April.

Outgoing Prime Minister Rutte said Holland is willing to play a constructive role in driving the European Union in adopting a more open attitude toward the world's second-largest economy in a bid to create favorable conditions for deeper Sino-European relations.

The Hague on Tuesday also launched this year's Dutch celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and China.

zhaoyinan@chinadaily.com.cn