Premier: clean technology a priority for Sino-German cooperation

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Friday that energy conservation and environmental protection will be a key area for the future of Sino-German cooperation. Wen made the remark while addressing a Sino-German business meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "We will learn about advanced technology from Germany with an open mind, and we hope Germany will open its technique market to China," said Wen, adding that China will adhere to intellectual property rights (IPR) regulations. He reassured German entrepreneurs that China has attached great attention to IPR protection in order to create a level playing field for all businesses. Wen raised a three-point proposal for expanding bilateral economic and trade cooperation, stating that the sustainable development of bilateral cooperation should feature long-term planning and a sound cooperative mechanism based on mutual benefit, as well as be safeguarded by relevant laws and rules. Wen reiterated that China welcomes investment from German companies and will grant national treatment to German enterprises, whether they are solely German-owned entities or joint ventures. "If there are any problems in this respect, German companies can directly report to relevant government departments or write to me," said Wen.