Premier Wen urges upgrading China-Arab co-op

 

Cooperation in energy,climate

Wen said energy exporters and importers should step up dialogue and contacts and carry out cooperation in energy development.

Investment in the energy sector should be encouraged to maintain a basic balance in energy supply and demand and reasonable global energy prices, he said.

The international community should work to maintain stability in energy producing countries and curb excessive speculation to maintain order in the international energy markets, he said.

Talking about economic and trade with the Arab states, Wen said China was ready to stabilize trade in oil and natural gas with the 22 Arab League nations, while expanding imports of non-oil products.

He said, "China at the same time will increase exports of high value-added machinery and electronic products and high-tech products to the Arab countries."

Trade between China and Arab states surged to $107.4 billion last year from US$36.4 billion in 2004.

China would continue to encourage businesses to invest in Arab states and welcome investment from Arab states, he said.

China was ready to promote cooperation in infrastructure, including power, railways and roads, and to deepen cooperation in oil and gas projects, he said.

Efforts should be made to vigorously develop energy-saving technologies and clean and renewable energies to help tackle global climate change.

China would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide per unit of gross domestic product by 40 to 45 percent from 2005 levels by 2020.

Wen said China and Arab states should increase exchanges by senior officials and consultations on strategic issues, and boost coordination in major international and regional affairs.

Wen urged developed countries to shoulder the main responsibility in helping developing nations to maintain financial stability and economic growth to reduce the imbalance of development, the fundamental imbalance of the world economy.

China would as always provide aid without conditions to developing countries, he said.

China and Arab countries have relations dating back to the Silk Road about 2,000 years ago. China has diplomatic ties with all 22 members of the Arab League.

The forum was initiated in January 2004, when Chinese President Hu Jintao visited the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. It has since served as a platform for exchanging views between China and Arab nations and for enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation.