While the European governments are looking for more investment from China to boost growth and jobs, China is also experiencing an economic transformation with a focus on consumption and sustainability, something that Europe has rich experience in.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for President Xi Jinping and the new leadership to explain to the Chinese people that Europe and China share a common future," he says.

Rocard says he has been a frequent visitor to China, which demonstrates his keen interest in what is happening in the country.

Though he admires the fast development in China, Rocard also warns about the real estate bubbles and the over-reliance on exports, aspects that pose risks to the Chinese economy.

"China can no longer play evidently and powerfully the exports card," he says. "The real problem for China is how to redirect the economy towards internal demand and to create a mechanism for it."

Commenting on Sino-French relations, Rocard says that the proposed visit by French President Francois Hollande to China is "symbolically very important" as it will create the framework for better cooperation between the two countries to resolve the economic crisis.

Hollande, who is expected to visit China in late April, has in a message to President Xi expressed the desire to step up cooperation between the two sides on major international issues and on ways to promote balanced, sustainable growth.

Apart from economic relations, Rocard also feels that France and China should strengthen cooperation in the fields of scientific research, pollution treatment and environmental protection, which are among the top priorities of China's new government.

"France is a world leader with extensive know-how in environmental fields such as water pollution treatment, so there is plenty of space for us to work together," he says.

"What France wants is stronger relations with China not just in trade but also in areas of education, culture scientific and intellectual research."

Rocard also advocates increased public exchange and engagement across various strata from Europe and China. He says that the European parliament should work for more dialogue between the two sides.

"Ways are multiple. What we need is the agreement between the great chiefs. So I hope it can begin with a meeting between Hollande and Xi," he says.

lixiang@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 03/22/2013 page7)