Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang has urged members of the international mining industry to strengthen cooperation to cope with the challenges triggered by the international financial crisis.

Li said in a letter to the China Mining Expo in Beijing that the sustainable prosperity of the international mining industry could strongly support world economic and social development.

The Chinese government was taking a series of measures to boost domestic demand and promote economic growth, Li said. The continued stable growth of China's economy was a major contribution to the world, and would benefit the development of international mining industry.

As an important player in the production and consumption of mineral resources, China would push forward technical innovation, and optimize the exploitation and utilization of resources, Li said.

China would continue opening up its mining industry, and create favorable conditions for dialogue and negotiation between producers and consumers, Li said.

More than 3,200 officials, experts and entrepreneurs attended the three-day China Mining Expo, which opened on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 14, 2008)