CRI听力:China, Germany Vow to Upgrade Economic Cooperations

Following a red-carpet welcoming ceremony, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has sat down with the visiting German Chancellor for talks lasting some two-hours at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Premier Li Keqiang says he's pitched the idea of creating an intergovernmental mechanism between China and Germany so the two sides can coordinate with one-another on their respective development strategies.

"China and Germany should enhance innovation, as well as coordinate our "Made in China 2025" strategy with Germany's "Industry 4.0" strategy. On the one hand, Germany's industrial growth and technological developments needs bigger markets, such as China. On the other hand, China can learn advanced concepts and technological innovations from Germany, as well as help German companies broaden their markets. Both countries can compliment one-another. I've also committed that the Chinese government will protect German companies' intellectual property rights."

Its said the two leaders also exchanged their thoughts on regional economic cooperation, including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the internationalization of the renminbi and the prospects of a China-EU Free Trade agreement.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says its her country's hope China's ongoing economic transition will provide new opportunities.

"I certainly have confidence in China's economic growth. Each nation has different stages of economic development, along with some fluctuations. At this particular moment, Chinese economy is in need of innovative development, especially a larger investment on green economy. Germany can be acted as a great partner in this respect. Both nations have great potential for collaborations in industrial strategies, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as production of consumers' goods."

Merkel also says she hopes to see China and the EU sign a bilateral investment agreement at "an early date."

Meanwhile, both leaders also talked about strategic issues, including the ongoing crisis in Syria. Angela Merkel says a solution needs to be hammered out in Syria quickly.

"We need a diplomatic political solution, and in view of the more than 300,000 dead and the millions of refugees in Syria the time is urgent and I am really happy that there are at least signs for a format of talks that will bring the necessary participants together, and the faster the people in Syria can be helped the better."

Premier Li Keqiang says the Chinese side also wants to see something done quickly in Syria.

"The urgency of resolving the Syrian situation has been increasing. We think the most important thing right now is to seize the opportunity to implement a political resolution and set up an equal, inclusive and open political line of discussion."

Angela Merkel is also due to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and top legislator Zhang Dejiang.

The German Chancellor is leading a delegation from Germany which includes 20 different business leaders representing the machinery, automotive, electrical and telecommunications sectors.

On top of her time in Beijing, Merkel is also due to make a stop in Li Keqiang's home province of Anhui, where she's due to co-chair a business development meeting along with the Premier.

This trip represents Merkel's 8th visit to China since taking over as German Chancellor in 2005.