Li eyes German link in emerging sectors HU YONGQI

Premier Li Keqiang called for better aligning innovation strategies between China and Germany in emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles and self-driving technologies to promote the sectors and explore bigger markets.

Li made the call on Monday at the China-Germany Economic and Technical Cooperation Forum, also attended by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, before he headed back to Beijing late on Tuesday. More than 400 people attended the forum.

Germany is a leading country in basic research, innovation and high-end research and development, and China has special advantages in its huge market size, vast human resources, fast-growing digital economy and innovation applications, Li said. Therefore, he said, both countries can work together more closely in innovation-driven development, particularly in electric vehicles and smart manufacturing.