On October 28, 2011, Jia Qinglin, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attended a luncheon with Chinese and Dutch entrepreneurs in Hague and made a speech. More than 250 Chinese and Dutch entrepreneurs participated in the event.
Jia said that the Netherlands is well known as the "European Garden" and "the country of windmill" and has world-renowned gigantic sea dam. The technologies, facilities and education of its modern agriculture and animal husbandry are among the best in the world. The economic aggregate of the Netherlands ranks the 16th in the world although its population is small. We sincerely admire and feel glad about the achievements the Netherlands has made.
He noted that the friendship between the two peoples is deeply rooted although the two countries are separated by mountains and rivers. China and the Netherlands have developed sound political relations and fruitful cooperation on economy and trade, science and technology, culture and education with the joint efforts of the two governments and peoples since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations 39 years ago. For 8 consecutive years, the Netherlands has been the second largest trading partner of China among EU member states and invested US$12 billion in China. The total investment of Chinese companies in the Netherlands has reached 1.2 billion Euro. Mutual investment between the two countries grows steadily. The four training centers of animal husbandry, horticulture, dairy and agriculture jointly built by the two countries in China have boosted the bilateral agricultural exchanges and cooperation.
He pointed out that China formulated the 12th five-year plan of national economic and social development earlier this year which requires to focus on scientific development, accelerate change of economic growth mode, deepen reform and opening up, protect and improve people's livelihood, promote long-term stable and relatively fast economic growth and social harmony and stability to lay down a solid foundation for the building of a higher level of well-off society for the full benefit of over one billion people. The plan underlines "the road to sustainable development", which is the need for the survival and development of the Chinese nation and will be a major contribution to world civilization. China's modernization cannot repeat the old road of excessive consumption of resources at the expense of the ecological environment but must blaze a path of coordination between economy, society, people, resources and environment and of harmony between people and nature. We sincerely welcome the active participation of businesses worldwide, including Dutch businesses in China's sustainable development. You are welcomed to share the opportunities and results of China's sustainable development.
He said that to deepen China-Netherlands economic and trade cooperation not only helps promote the development of the two countries but also facilitates our joint efforts of boosting the stable recovery of world economy. China and the Netherlands are in different development stages and the two economies are highly complementary. To deepen the bilateral economic and trade cooperation enjoys many favorable conditions and serves the common interest of the two peoples.
He raised the following proposals on strengthening the bilateral economic and trade relations: first, deepen modern agricultural cooperation and raise the cooperation level. Second, promote trade facilitation and expand trade volume. Third, optimize investment environment and develop mutual investment. Fourth, broaden cooperation on energy efficiency and environmental protection and jointly cope with climate change.
He added finally that next year will be the 40th anniversary of China-Netherlands diplomatic relations which is entering the mature development period. The bilateral economic and trade cooperation will make bigger achievements and better benefit the two countries and our people so long as the governments and business communities of both countries boost confidence, seize opportunities and work closely.
In the afternoon, Jia Qinglin made a special trip to Shell Group's R&D center, listened to introduction and asked questions about Shell's latest R&D results, trends of world oil and gas exploration and Shell's energy cooperation with China. He cordially talked to the Chinese employees at the center and encouraged them to use their expertise and the favorable conditions of working for a leading multinational company to promote the development of China's energy industry and China-Netherlands friendly cooperation.
On the same day, Jia also visited ING, Anthura and the Port of Rotterdam and listened to the briefing of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the CPPCC National Committee Qian Yunlu and Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands Zhang Jun participated in those activities.