The Communist Party of China (CPC) and political parties from Europe here on Monday voiced willingness to seize opportunities created by the countries' future development plans and promote Sino-EU ties.

"China has rolled out its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15) while Europe has launched a 10-year strategy, the so-called EU 2020 strategy. The plans share many similarities and the two sides, therefore, face new opportunities in practical cooperation," senior CPC official Liu Yunshan said when addressing the opening ceremony of the China-Europe High-level Political Parties Forum.

Liu, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said the forum serves as an important platform for Chinese and European political leaders to exchange views on development ideas and goals, and will be conducive to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation.

He said that during its 12th five-year period, China will accelerate the transformation of its economic growth mode, and make great efforts to build a resource-saving and environmentally-friendly society.

"China will continue to deepen its reform and opening up while working jointly with the international community to cope with global challenges and share development opportunities," Liu said

"China's 12th Five-Year Plan and the EU 2020 strategy will not only affect both economies but also the world economy and global economic governance," Liu said, calling for officials from the two sides to enhance dialogue and understanding.

Martin Schulz, leader of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, said he looks forward to learning more about China's development plan.

Noting that the EU's objective is to develop smart, sustainable and inclusive growth by 2020, Schulz said these similar goals enable delegates to conduct a candid exchange of views at the forum.

The theme for this year's forum, the second of its kind, is "China's 12th Five-Year Plan and Europe 2020 Strategy: New Opportunities and Prospects for China-Europe Cooperation." The forum draws nearly 100 delegates from over 30 political parties of Europe.

The three-day forum will also take delegates to China's northern port city of Tianjin, where delegates will visit an Airbus assembly plant.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2011)