The United Kingdom is willing to enhance cooperation with China in the fields of information and communication technology (ICT), Stephen Timms, minister for E-Commerce of Britain, said in Beijing Tuesday on UK-China ICT Week.

Timms told a press conference that the UK has kept close cooperation with China in the field of ICT recently and hopes to further the relationship to benefit both sides.

The UK government would offer more opportunities and assistance for Chinese companies that are willing to invest in UK, he added.

The ICT industry accounts for 25 percent of the UK's export to China, and 23 percent of mobile phone users worldwide live in China. With such great potential and high level information industry, China provides good opportunities for companies to develop ICT industry, Timms said.

The UK has research and technology advantages in ICT companies because many ICT companies throughout the world have set up their headquarters in the country. This attracts Chinese ICT companies to invest in UK businesses, Timms said.

About 100 UK ICT companies are attending UK-China ICT Week, which is going on through Sept. 10. All participants will exchange technology and establish strong partnership with Chinese counterparts, and discuss new measures to enhance trade and investment between China and the UK.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2004)