China.org.cn：Chinese-European officials call for more cooperation

Political party delegates from more than 24 European countries discussed economic, technological and cultural cooperation with officials and company CEOs in Henan Province at the China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum for Economic & Trade Dialogue held in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province on May 19.

Chen Run'er, governor of Henan Province, gives a general overview of Henan’s development

on May 19, 2016. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]

The dialogue is part of the 5th China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum, a top level platform for multilateral and strategic consultations for strengthening the all-around development of a Chinese-European comprehensive strategic partnership.

"There is a strong bond between Henan and Europe that began with commerce groups traveling between the middle China and Europe 2,000 years ago and that continues today with the 'sky silk road,' operated by the Zhengzhou Airport Economy Zone, and the Zhengzhou-Europe International Block Train," Chen Run'er, governor of Henan Province said. "Henan is willing to work with friends from all around Europe to deepen economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges, especially in the fields of railway, aviation, agriculture, energy and equipment manufacturing."

Yanaki Stoilov, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria and vice president of

the Bulgarian Socialist Party gives a speech on May 19, 2016. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]

Yanaki Stoilov, deputy speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria and vice president of the Bulgarian Socialist Party made two proposals for improving the life of the majority of citizens in China and Europe: The first one is making a connection between ideas, policy and pragmatic decisions ... The second aspect of China-Europe dialogue concerns the level and the actor's cooperation.

"Europe is an important trading partner to us," Zhao Jiancai, vice governor of Henan Province said. "Last year, the trade volume reached US$7.5 billion. In the first quarter of 2016, the trade volume exceeded US$2.4 billion, which is twice than the same time last year."

Delegates share ideas during a tea break of Economic and Trade Dialogue held in

Zhengzhou on May 19. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]

The trade volume from Henan Province to Europe was only US$560 million in 2001, but this number reached US$7.5 billion in 2015, Jiao Jinmiao, head of the Henan Provincial Commerce Department said. "A total of 28 European countries have established 300 companies in Henan Province so far and investment has reached US$4 billion."

Manfred Grund, a German politician for the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) 'drives' a car produced

 by Yutong Bus Co., Ltd on May 19. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]

After the dialogue, delegates visited Yutong Bus Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou International Hub Development and Construction Co., Ltd and Zhengzhou New District.

Delegates pose on a train that runs from Zhengzhou to several EU countries including Germany and France while touring

the Zhengzhou International Hub Development and Construction Co., Ltd on May 19. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]

Francis Wurtz, who has been a member of the central committee of the French Communist Party (PCF) since 1979, said that the car and smart phone production were very impressive. He also praised the dialogue as a deep exchange between both people and civilizations.

"I really enjoyed seeing the theater. It was really good because Zhengzhou is known for industry, technology and factories, but it is also famous for culture. I think it is very nice to see both," Catherine West, a Labour Party politician in the United Kingdom, said after touring the Henan Art Center, which is located in CBD of Zhengzhou New District. "It can be a window to China's ancient history, which I think people find very interesting. So it is a good possibility for tourism."

Henan Art Center offers performances of domestic and international artists to audiences. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]

Delegates pose in front of the Zhengzhou Exhibition Hotel, which is nicknamed "Big Corn" tower

on May 19. [Photo by Lu Na/China.org.cn]