British Deputy PM: sharing China's experience in reviving old industrial cities

Northern Britain has similar problems with northeast China's declining industrial base and would like to share China's experience and explore solutions together, said British Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State John Prescott Thursday in Shenyang.

Prescott made the remark in a meeting with Xu Weiguo, vice governor of the northeastern Liaoning Province, China's biggest and earliest heavy industry base.

Prescott said many cities in northern Britain, like those in Liaoning, are trying to shift from coal- or steel-based economies to new industries.

Xu said Liaoning is willing to cooperate with Britain in oil chemistry, mechanic manufacturing, new technologies, education and environmental cooperation. This prospect will cement current economic ties between China and Britain.

There are 219 Britain-invested projects in Liaoning. Trade volume between Liaoning and Britain amounted to 312 million US dollars in 2003. The figure reached 405 million US dollars in the first 10 months of this year.

Prescott arrived in Beijing on Nov. 30 for a five-day official visit to China.