CRI听力:Experts Upbeat about China Rail Tech in Germany

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is kicking off a week-long tour to Europe today, including stops in Germany, Russia and Italy.

In Germany, observers are suggesting China's rail technology might bring new dimensions to the bilateral relationship.

CRI reporter Chloe Lyme brings us more:

Peter Munich is a professor from Technical University of Berlin.

He applauds the Chinese government's role in the country's rail technological development.

"The Chinese government provides a lot of support to China's high-speed rail development. I believer Premier Li Keqiang is the lead salesman for the railway industry. As a German, I hope our Chancellor Angela Merkel can do the same thing."

In recent years, Chinese railway technology has been introduced to a number of European countries.

Yu Weiping, Vice President of the China CNR Corporation, China's major train producer, says their success lies in the company's flexible strategy to meet the varied standards in the different countries.

"For example, our electric locomotives have been introduced to Beralus, because we meet a set of technical standards laid out by the Commonwealth of Independent States; our cargo trains and tankers have been exported to France, as we cater to EU's industrial criteria and requirements"

However, Professor Peter Munich says it's not easy for China to promote its rail technology in European countries because of issues such as linguistic and cultural difference, on top of the various technical and safety standards which have to be met in the various countries.

He suggests if Chinese train producers want to fully-tap the German market, they have to pay attention to issues such as promoting local hiring and proving to the German government that Chinese investment is a benefit for the country.

"Chinese companies can find a German partner by buying shares or acquiring a Germany companies and employing local technicians; then they can participate in the bidding process. After winning the bid, they will be granted a permit for market access and able to invite an independent institution in Germany to assess their qualifications. I think in this way, Chinese rail tech companies will enjoy a bright future."

Wolfgang Schwenk with the Association of German Transport Companies says he's also optimistic about China's railway technology.

He suggests German and Chinese rail companies should be doing more collaborating.

"It is important that companies share their experiences in dealing with services and new technology. "

Germany is China's biggest European partner in trade, investment and technological cooperation.

Bilateral trade volume last year exceeded 160 billion U.S. dollars.

For CRI, this is Chloe Lyme.