国际英语新闻：Brown sets out plans for investment, export-led growth

LONDON, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Monday set out plans for investment and export-led growth in Britain.

    During a speech to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in London, Brown said the British government aimed to unleash the "entrepreneurial, innovative and dynamic" talents of British businesses and employers.

    He said in order to encourage growth the government would make five commitments covering digital infrastructure, skills and science, transport, planning and energy.

    Brown said: "You know in your own businesses what it takes to create worldwide operations; how important it is to take the opportunities offered by the new digital technologies; to develop infrastructure and governance that works across the world; to reduce deficits through a focus on growth and to attract investment."

    Just as these are the priorities for businesses, so they are for British Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling and British Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and his business team, he added.

    On investment in skills and science, Brown said his long-term aim was to see 75 percent of young people in higher education, advanced apprenticeships or equivalent technician courses.

    At the same time he urged businesses to give young people jobs and opportunities by supporting the Backing Young Britain campaign.

    The Prime Minister also committed to building a modern, digital infrastructure in Britain. By 2012, he said Britain would lead the world in fast broadband services.

    And the British government would prepare Britain for future energy needs with a shift to low-carbon, Brown said, it would also speed up planning decisions to create a more "streamlined" system.

    Finally, Brown said the British government would continue major investment in transport and infrastructure, including the electrification of rail lines, the Crossrail project and flood defenses.

    During his speech, Brown also announced that London will host a British international investment conference early next year.

    "We are now in a new age of global change. And we should have confidence that, together, we can and will establish Britain's place at the center of this global economy," He said.