Premier hails Hamburg's role in China-Germany cooperation

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Saturday he hopes that the German city of Hamburg, which has played a leading role in China-Germany trade, will enhance cooperation with China in more areas.  [Special coverage]

Li made the remark during his meeting with Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz, part of his ongoing three-day official visit to Germany.

With a long history of exchange with China, the northern port city of Germany has taken a lead in the two countries' trade link, attracting more Chinese enterprises than any other European city, Li said.

He urged Hamburg to play a leading role in implementing the newly-agreed comprehensive action plan on China-Germany cooperation, so as to enhance the two nations' collaboration in free trade, railway, new energy and media.

The Chinese premier also said he would like to see more competent Chinese companies invest in Hamburg, which, for its part, is expected to facilitate the process.

For his part, Scholz said Hamburg, as China's gateway to the European market, has kept friendly exchange with the Asian country.

The city is willing to broaden cooperation with China in such areas as aerospace, manufacturing, sea transportation and people-to-people exchanges, the mayor said, adding Hamburg welcomes more Chinese investments in the future.

Germany is Li's first stop of his three-leg European trip, which will also carry him to Russia and Italy.