Urbanization is highlighted in the government agenda, and is seen a new engine for economic growth. Experts say this is also a sector that many European businesses can benefit from.
Duncan Freeman, research fellow at the Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies, said the focus on urbanization and the quality of urbanization means products and services typically used by well-off urban consumers will be increasingly in demand.
Francois Godement, professor at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, said: "From a French or European point of view, the accent on urbanization is welcome because this is an area where we have much expertise and engineering to offer - if the market is open."
He said France and Europe are looking for more measures to open access to China's public markets, to allow investment in services and finance, and to bring equality in credit conditions for pubic and private firms, including foreign companies.
At the conference, it was stated that ecological principles should be integrated in the urbanization process, which should be environmentally friendly.
Janez Potocnik, European commissioner for the environment, said the emphasis on environmental protection will bring tremendous economic opportunities for European businesses.
He said the vision of Europe and China is very similar when it comes to the importance of environmental issues. Europe also has a growth strategy, with Europeans wanting the European Union to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy.
"Like the EU's blueprint, China's strategy places emphasis on very similar aspirations of improving efficiency by using natural resources, including energy, and introducing new targets for the reduction of key pollutants," he said.
Bone-chilling cold, but lots of fun!
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