China open to green industry cooperation with Europe

China hopes to expand green industry cooperation with Europe, including the cooperation on electric vehicles, and hopes for an early signing and taking effect of the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

"China and Europe are important economic and trade partners, with complementary advantages and mutual benefits in economic and trade cooperation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Europe," He Yadong, a spokesman of the commerce ministry, said during a news conference in Beijing.

He made the comments following Commerce Minister Wang Wentao's holding of a video talk with Ola Kallenius, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association and CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group on Feb 14.

During the video talk, Wang once again expressed China's support of the European automotive industry and hoped the two sides will resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation.

Wang said China has been making its best effort to promote dialogue and consultation, and hoped that the European side will listen to the voices of the industry and take practical actions to jointly promote the negotiation and achieve good results.