Li welcomes EU role in urbanization

Premier Li Keqiang welcomed the European Union's participation in China's urbanization process on Monday, especially in smart city building and energy efficiency.

Addressing a forum on the China-EU urbanization partnership in Brussels, Belgium, Li called industrialization and urbanization the "twins" of modernization, noting that China's urbanization has increased significantly in the past three decades of rapid industrial progress.

Despite an urbanization rate of 54.8 percent by 2014 - compared with 17.92 percent in 1978 - China still faces a number of problems, Li said. He pointed to a new type of people-oriented urbanization, featuring harmonious and inclusive cities, as the solution.

He said that by 2020, 100 million Chinese migrant farm workers will settle in cities; 100 million farmers will be encouraged to move to nearby cities in central and western China; and 100 million people will have better living conditions in cities through reconstruction of rundown areas and unsafe buildings.

"This will stimulate consumption and investment, which will create momentum for China's growth and modernization and provide new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between China and Europe," he said.

He said that China's urbanization process is the largest ever and that the country should learn from Europe's rich experience. Twelve city partnerships have been forged within the framework of the China-EU urbanization partnership, he said.

Li urged both sides to enhance cooperation in smart city design, and to promote core technology development and high standards.

He also asked for cooperation in energy efficiency and environmental protection. "We welcome Europe to actively participate in China's development of low-carbon cities and low-carbon industrial parks, in the renovation of buildings for energy efficiency, in the treatment of wastewater and refuse and in the development of clean energy."

China is ready to work with Europe to develop third markets for energy-saving and environmental protection equipment, he added.

He asked for the promotion of public services and cooperation in this regard. With rapid urbanization, China's demand for medium-and high-end consumer products and equalized public services is increasing.

Europe is strong in the education, health, recreation and fashion industries, he said, and China welcomes European enterprises to expand markets in China in those sectors.

China has a comparative advantage in infrastructure construction, and it hopes Europe can create favorable conditions for Chinese businesses in the upgrade and renovation of European cities.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, who joined Li at the forum, said Europe and China face common challenges and enjoy immense opportunities in urbanization. Europe admires China's accomplishments and is willing to be a major partner, Juncker said.