Chinese premier urges innovation cooperation between Chinese, Dutch enterprises

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday called on Dutch enterprises to explore the Chinese market and partner with Chinese enterprises for innovation cooperation.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang gives a speech at the China-Netherlands Business Forum during his official visit to the Netherlands, October 16, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua]

"The Chinese economy is going through a stage of transformation and upgrading. The growth of better quality calls for international innovation cooperation," Li said at the China-Netherlands Business Forum during his official visit to the Netherlands.

The Chinese premier said some Dutch enterprises have demonstrated their innovative products and technologies such as high-precision medical equipment, integrated system of equipment and information system for cancer treatment, manufacturing and repair nanotechnologies for aircraft engines, and green agriculture.

These enterprises have expressed their wish to seek cooperation in China, Li said, adding that Dutch enterprises, both large and small, are welcome to explore the Chinese market and find Chinese business partners.

China is implementing its innovation-driven development strategy, with a boom of new growth drivers now contributing to some two thirds of the newly created employment, the Chinese premier said.

With a population of 1.4 billion, China has a vast market. Consumption is in the process of becoming the main growth driver of the Chinese economy, which creates enormous potential for the innovative products of Dutch enterprises in China, Li said.

He also encouraged Chinese enterprises to partner with the Dutch enterprises in innovation.

Li's official visit to the Netherlands from Sunday to Tuesday is the second stop of his Eurasian trip from Oct. 11 to 19.