Jia Qinglin urges China, Italy to deepen cooperation

China's top political advisor said here on Wednesday that China and Italy should deepen their cooperation and jointly tackle global challenges.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made remarks while meeting with Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti.

As the world is experiencing a sluggish economic recovery, China and Italy should continue to make the most of their advantages so as to realize mutual benefit and common development, he said.

The two countries should implement their three-year action plan for economic cooperation and move faster to formulate a new three-year plan, he added.

China encourages its firms to expand investment in Italian industries, logistics, infrastructure, finance, science and technology, and hopes Italy can further relax its investment restrictions, improve investment facilitation and create a fair and just environment for Chinese enterprises, Jia continued.

He suggested the two countries strengthen exchanges between their small- and medium-sized companies in the innovation sector, promote the establishment of joint laboratories and enterprise incubators, as well as expand cooperation in the hi-tech field.

The two sides should also deepen their cooperation in environmental protection and explore new cooperation patterns, he said.

Jia also urged the two countries to boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges, promote tourism and increase the number of exchange students so as to enhance mutual understanding and bilateral friendship.

Monti said Italy is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China and enhance their coordination and cooperation in international affairs in the spirit of mutual respect and trust.

Italy would also like to deepen its cooperation with China in infrastructure and environmental protection, he said.

Monti hoped the two sides can work together to push forward the development of the Italy-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

Italy is the first leg of Jia's three-nation tour, which will also take him to Costa Rica and Argentina.