China, Netherlands to boost cooperation in agriculture and logistics

World
Europe

China and the Netherlands hope to enhance the cooperation in the areas of agriculture, logistics and transport, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during his meeting with Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Wednesday.

Li said that the development of Sino-Dutch relations is healthy and positive, and has been promoted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, who paid a successful state visit to the Netherlands in 2014.

Xi also met with the visiting Dutch King Willem-Alexander on Wednesday and welcomed Willem-Alexander's visit, the second time since he ascended the throne in 2013.

A group photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, and former Queen Beatrix in Amsterdam, March 22, 2014. /Xinhua Photo

"China would like to maintain the high-level exchanges with the Netherlands and promote Sino-Dutch relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," Li said.

He pointed out that the Netherlands is at the forefront in the areas of agriculture, agricultural technology, port logistics and management worldwide.

"China hopes to deepen cooperation with the Netherlands in the above areas, expand the trade scale, strengthen technological exchanges and facilitate customs clearance with the Netherlands," Li added. "The two countries will promote the strategic link between the Belt and Road Initiative and Dutch development strategy."

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agricultural goods after the United States due to its highly intensive agricultural industry. Moreover, it is a gateway to Europe and a hub for foreign-owned logistics and distribution operations.

Willem-Alexander said the Netherlands is China's third largest trade partner in the European Union (EU) and the bilateral ties are at the best period of development in history.

"The Netherlands also hopes to strengthen the trade contacts with China and deepen the cooperation between the two sides in the sectors of agriculture and logistics transportation," Willem-Alexander said during the meeting with Li.