Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said Monday that China welcomes British entrepreneurs to take part in the revitalization of China's old industrial bases so as to open up new areas of Sino-British economic cooperation.

China welcomes the active participation of the British business community in the reform and transformation of old industrial bases in northeast China and other regions through giving full play of their advantages in capital, technology and management, said Wen at a seminar on revitalizing old industrial bases in northeast China.   

The revitalization plan in northeast China, a major decision by the government, is designed to effectively promote industrial restructuring and technological reform through intensive reform and greater openness, said the premier.

In this way, he said, northeast China, which contributed to the People's Republic of China's early economic development, will "radiate its vigor of youth once again" and become another fast conomic growth area in China.

British entrepreneurs could do their bit in the revitalization through creating joint ventures and corporations in the region, he added.

To make a successful implementation of this strategy, Wen said, the Chinese government has established a special leading organ and worked out relevant policies, principles and plans of action.

Although the area faces many difficulties in the course of industrial transformation, it still boasts such advantages as having a full-fledged infrastructure, abundant science and research personnel and high-quality industrial workers, Wen said.

He said British enterprises could make good use of the abundant materials and technological infrastructure there and share their experiences with their Chinese counterparts.

British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and other senior British officials, as well as celebrities from British business circles, attended the seminar, sponsored by China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and China-Britain Business Council.

Prescott said China and Britain have much in common and can learn a great deal from each other, from which bilateral friendship can grow stronger.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2004)