BEIJING -- Speaking about the ongoing "Lianghui", Danish Ambassador to China Friis Arne Peterson said on Monday in the Embassy of Denmark that it increases openness as well as people's ability to discuss the government policy of China.

"Ten years ago or twenty years ago, China did not have this kind of openness and press communication strategy for increasing the awareness of the government policies as of today, so I think that's a progress in China." He said.

The "Lianghui" that Peterson refers to are the ongoing second sessions of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) and the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

As a foreign observer, Peterson pointed out that China has made impressive economic gains in the last 35 years because of opening up and reform, but it has come at a high price: growing income inequality, some bad habits like corruption, and a growth model that is not sustainable which leads to polluted soil, air and water.

"China seems to have some of the world's most complex economic and social problems and issues," he said.

"However, the good news is that the leadership of China recognize these issues, and therefore clearly want to address them in a systematic and efficient way through these plans made during Lianghui, " he said.

Apart from the increasing openness, Peterson sees more positive things in Lianghui.

As to the challenges and concrete problems China faces in pushing forward its social development, Peterson said, "it's very promising that Premier Li Keqiang declares what he called a war on pollution and poverty. This is very positive."

He also mentioned many problems in the financial sector, and said "the big task of transforming the Chinese growth model from relying on investment and export-driven to consumption-driven growth model, and from quantity to quality is extremely positive from our viewpoint."

He applauded China's emphasis on market economic forces, because it shows that China's political approach to economic policy is advancing and it gives more place and priority to the individual, to the private sector, and to the market economy.

"It's a very important contribution to mainstream Chinese economic model. I think it is a way to secure the best resource allocation." He said.

In this foreign observer's eyes, urbanization in China is the key to all political plans. He said he would be very interested to follow how the Chinese government would implement the reframe of the three '100 millions' that Premier Li Keqiang mentioned in the government work report, including easing and making a more flexible Hukou system for migrants and rural.

Peterson pointed out that many of the political, economic and social issues that were highlighted and given high priority at the two meetings are also issues where Denmark and China have a very strong mutual interest in future cooperation.

As Denmark and China have been enjoying cooperation in a very wide range including agriculture, energy, environment and even arctic issues, Peterson sees more opportunities for cooperation in the future.

"It should be really across the board, not just in the field of energy efficiency, or energy renewals, or reduction of pollution, and we have a very big opportunity for cooperation in the future." He said.