Stronger Sino-Euro co-op benefits global economy

Premier Wen Jiabao said Thursday that stronger China-Europe economic and trade cooperation is not only conducive to the settlement of the European debt crisis, but fundamentally beneficial for the economies of Europe, China and the world.

Wen made the remarks in a joint press conference with visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The international financial crisis does not change the basic fact that the Chinese and European economies are highly complementary, Wen said.

"We need to stick to the road of mutual benefit in order to jointly address the challenges brought by the European debt crisis," said Wen.

Wen said both sides need to fight against trade protectionism with concrete efforts, solve common concerns through consultations and conduct cooperation regarding research and development, production and sales.

Wen said both sides need to set up an effective platform to promote investment cooperation and create a favorable environment for enterprises.

"Chinese enterprises are interested in participating in the construction of transportation, energy and telecommunication projects in Europe. We also welcome European countries to participate in China's economic construction," said Wen.

Both sides need to conduct closer financial cooperation in order to safeguard the stability of international finance and provide more stable support for economic and trade cooperation, the premier said.

"China has always had full confidence in the euro," said Wen, noting the Chinese side would also like to see European countries use more Renminbi in economic and trade exchanges.