中德期待更强的经济联系

Germany has the highest level of trade with China out of the 28 European Union nations, largely due to demand for German cars and engineering. Expectations are high that Chancellor Merkel's visit to China this time would further boost economic ties betweent the two nations.

Leaders from China and Germany have met frequently since Merkel took office in 2005. The political talks are accompanied by strengthened trade and economic ties.

The Chinese ambassador to Germany Shi Mingde said he is looking forward to closer cooperation betweent the two sides, under China's Made in China 2025 plan, and Germany's Industry 4.0 strategy. 

"German government is pushing forward the Industry 4.0 while China has initiated the Made in China 2025 strategic plan. The two plans are coinciding and complementing. Chancellor Merkel will discuss with Chinese leaders on how to link these two plans together. Meanwhile, the One Belt, One Road initiate offers German companies a wider scope. The German government and other institutions are trying to find new opportunities," Shi said.

German companies and other transnational companies in Europe have become keen to cooperate with China. For them, China does not only mean business, but is also an indispensible part of their global strategy.  

"President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and Chancellor Merkel have had regular meetings in recent years. The strengthened diplomatic ties help build the framework of our economic cooperation. We're delighted to see that, because enterprises from both sides could reap concrete progress based on that framework. China needs Europe's market and technology, while Europe needs the market and investment from China. We need each other just like a pair of hands," said Corinna Nienstedt, director of International Department of Hamburg Chamber of Commerce.

China has put forward a connectivity initiatve named the "One Belt, One Road" -- a modern Silk Road so to speak. German economists say the initiative will bring trade closer between the East and the West.

"We translate the term to the "Silk Road" in Germany. This would be an important passage linking the trade between the East and the West, which could save us the trouble of maritime transport. We still need more time to accomplish this, but the One Belt, One Road initiative could definitely help boost trade between China and Europe when realized. Countries along the route could all benefit from it," said Dr. Horst Lochel, German economist.

Currently more than 6,000 German companies are operating in China, and more than 2,000 Chinese companies are developing their business in Germany. It's expected that Merkel's visit to China this time would further boost business growth on both sides.