In a bid to promote the bilateral economic and trade partnership, China and Germany need to further establish and improve the cooperation mechanism, develop a long-term partnership and enhance the protection of intellectual property rights, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at a seminar with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and bilateral business owners in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, on February 3. 

Wen said, the economic and trade relationship between the two countries is equal and mutual beneficial, which has been demonstrated prominently in particular during the world economic crisis. The trade volume between China and Germany amounted to 169.1 billion yuan last year, almost exceeding 200 billion yuan. In light of the new opportunities confronted, the two parties shall combine the advantages and further promote mutual investment, strengthen industries such as high technologies and energy conserving sector and expand cooperation among small and medium-sized enterprises with a more active and open attitude. China will also actively enhance the opening-up and try to create a transparent and equal playing field in market. Wen welcomed German businesses to expand their investment in China. 

In response to authentication issues that aroused the concern of the European party, Wen said, the Chinese has now become more and more aware of a fact that intellectual property right is not something that China established just to meet foreign requirements; the need was generated inherently out of our national benefits. We have invested a lot in IPR-related legislation and administration, as the domestic market in China also demands an equal market environment and IPR protection, said Wen.

(Source: IPR in China)