EU and Chinese officials agreed on Tuesday on a roadmap for co-operation in regional policy, the European Commission announced.
EU Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hubner and Chinese First Vice-Minister Du Ying, from the National Development and Reform Commission, met in Brussels and agreed to "strengthen bilateral co-operation and on the exchange of information on policies contributing to growth, competitiveness and employment," the commission said in a statement.
Main actions agreed for further co-operation next year include promoting official exchanges, a high level seminar in Brussels for Chinese and EU stakeholders to investigate policy issues and a comprehensive study on Chinese regions, regional statistics and multi-level governance.
"The dialogue will help both parties in our common challenge of promoting balanced regional economic development," said Hubner after the meeting.
She stressed the role of regional policy in delivering EU objectives in areas such as competition, public procurement, transport and the environment.
The moves can also contribute to the broader EU-China dialogue on issues such as trade, sustainable development and good governance, she added.
By launching the co-operation with China on regional policy, the commission is following up on the commitment made at the 7th China-EU Summit of December 2004 where balanced development and regional policy were identified as key areas on which both sides should share information and experience.
The memorandum of understanding signed last May in Beijing between the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission and the European Commission aims to promote mutual understanding and bilateral co-operation in the field of regional policy.