China will promote innovation in public service and exchange views in this regard with European countries, said State Councilor Hua Jianmin in Beijing Wednesday.

Hua made this remark when addressing the opening ceremony of the China-Europe Senior Forum on Government Management.

Hua, who is also secretary-general of the State Council and president of the Chinese National School of Administration, said the Chinese government has always attached great importance to innovation in government management.

After some 20 years of opening-up and reform, China has basically set up a socialist market economic system and the functions of the governments have also changed greatly, he said.

Last year the central government put out a new concept of comprehensive and sustainable development and urged local governments to promote the qualities of public service, he said.

Hua said China and European countries have enjoyed sound relations and the European countries have explored government management and made fruitful achievements.

China hopes this forum can be a jumping-off point to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in this regard, Hua said.

Before the opening ceremony, Hua met with foreign delegates of the forum.

The two-day forum, with more than 200 officials and experts from some ten countries attending, is co-sponsored by the China National School of Administration and European Institute of Public Administration.

(Xinhua News Agency June 10, 2004)