Official stresses equality in govt procurement

BEIJING - Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang said Friday the country gives equal treatment in government procurement to products made by both domestic and foreign companies.

The minister made the remark while speaking at a press briefing during the two-day China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), which kicked off Thursday in Beijing.

The Chinese government has agreed that it will not make government procurement decisions based on where the intellectual property rights for goods or services are developed or maintained. The country also agreed that it will not discriminate against innovative products made by foreign suppliers operating in China.

When also discussed increasing scientific and technological cooperation, which has taken places in fields varying from energy, health and agriculture to the environment and meteorology.

"We have encouraged high-tech Chinese companies to cooperate in research and development with their foreign peers. We have also given support to foreign firms that wish to set up research centers or engage in business related to energy-saving and reducing emissions," Wan said.

He added that the United States has expressed its willingness to further relax restrictions on the transfer of technology and high-tech products, which he called a "positive sign" from the US.

The annual S&ED was created in 2009 to help both nations manage their bilateral relations and promote communication.