California urges closer energy ties
By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-11-16 06:46

Actor turned California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said yesterday that his state is willing to enhance co-operation with China to develop clean and renewable sources of energy and increase energy efficiency.

Declaring that the two nations face the same challenge in providing safe and abundant energy for the future, the governor said it is necessary to find new ways to produce and consume energy to sustain the economies and environment.

The Austrian-born politician made the remarks at a forum on China-US relations, on the second day of his six-day and three-city trade mission. Schwarzenegger is hoping to forge a stronger business link between China and California especially by promoting its energy products.

Schwarzenegger's comment was echoed by Zhang Guobao, vice- chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, who expressed the same desire at the forum to expand co-operation with California businesses that specialize in clean technologies, such as solar power.

The governor noted that California and China should look toward the development of hydrogen technology.

The governor also addressed more than 300 members of AmCham-China and the US-China Business Council. He aimed to tap into the burgeoning Chinese market by promoting California products and urging protections of intellectual property. He then hosted a private round-table discussion with business leaders.

The business co-operation between California and China has increased substantially since China joined the World Trade Organization four years ago. California's exports to China, led by cotton and computer-related products, reached US$6.8 billion last year.

The governor is scheduled to give a speech to students at Tsinghua University this morning. He will conclude his day by attending an exhibition called "Made in California" in Beijing Kerry Centre. The state is trying to sell the world's most populous nation everything from food to software that are produced in California.

Schwarzenegger will leave for Shanghai tonight, where he will attend the premiere of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. His last stop is Hong Kong.

(China Daily 11/16/2005 page2)