On May 27, 2013, Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang delivered a speech at the China-Germany business luncheon in Berlin. He talked about the economic situation in China and economic policies of the Chinese government under the new leadership. He raised new proposals for deepening China-Germany and China-Europe cooperation.
Li Keqiang said, this visit to Germany is the first visit to an EU country since I assumed office of the Chinese Premier. It indicates that China highly values China-Germany relationship and China-Europe cooperation. I came for cooperation and for promotion of opening up. Over the past two days, I held friendly and candid talks with the national leaders of Germany, had broad and in-depth exchanges of views with representatives of the entrepreneurs, and we reached new consensus on deepening China-Germany strategic partnership. The outcomes are truly fruitful.
Li Keqiang said, I appreciated that this morning, the German government clearly stated its opposition to the EU's decision to impose the investigations of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy on wireless telecommunication products of China. China and Europe should well manage trade friction through dialogue and consultation. Anti-protectionism of trade is the recipe for overcoming economic difficulties and going for recovery.
Li Keqiang said, China always adheres to the road of peaceful development and is now striving to build the modern socialist country being prosperous, democratic, civilized and harmonious, and to achieve the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. To realize the goals of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and the modernization, China must unswervingly carry forward the reform and opening-up, as well as the industrialization, informatization, urbanization and agricultural modernization at the same time, to create an "upgraded version" of the Chinese economy. China's development will present more opportunities to the world economy and create better cooperation environment for the Chinese and German businesses. China will continue to provide a fair-play market environment and necessary convenience for foreign enterprises.
Li Keqiang noted, since the establishment of diplomatic relationship, China and Germany have enjoyed a high level of political mutual trust and a bilateral cooperation highly complementary and with broad prospect. The bilateral relationship goes like Yangtze River and the River Rhine, whatever twists and turns, always moving fast forward. We should push for the "two wheel drive" of government and enterprises, to get China-Germany cooperation into a fast lane and a time of acceleration in a double-track way. So the growing "Made in China" and the already mature "Made in Germany" will be perfect match.
Li Keqiang stressed, China is willing to see a strong and united Europe and supports the European integration process. As this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, China wishes to work with EU to enhance strategic mutual trust and to expand practical cooperation in all fields. The common interests between China and Europe far outweigh the differences. As outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and Europe are with the wisdom and ability to solve the differences, to eliminate frictions and to achieve win-win cooperation. China has full confidence for the future of Europe and the future of China-Europe relations.
To conclude his speech, Li Keqiang said, China and Germany are both gifted with splendid cultures and the hearts of the two peoples accord with each other. Chancellor Merkel and I yesterday announced together to launch "the Year of Languages". Languages are the medium for communication between different countries and peoples. Promoting exchanges of language and culture is laying the firm foundation for China-Germany friendship. We will have more "China hands" and "Germany hands" to achieve better and in-depth communications between the two peoples. We believe that China and Germany will create new brilliance on the basis of mutual respect and better understanding.
Philipp Rosler, German Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Technology, Peter Löscher, German chair of the China-Germany Council of Economic Advisers and President of Siemens, along with other Chinese and German business representatives, altogether over 500 guests, were present at the luncheon.
Rosler said in his speech that the rapid development of China has boosted global economic growth and Germany-China cooperation. Germany and China are true partners. Both advocate free trade and open markets. Germany is willing to work with China to further expand cooperation and for anti-protectionism of trade so as to realize common development.
Prior to the luncheon, Li Keqiang met with Rosler and had friendly chats with Chinese and German prominent business people.
Li Keqiang met as well with the Chinese embassy staff and representatives of Chinese institutions based in Germany, overseas Chinese and Chinese students .