Countries that desire to be something in the mining world should book a trip to China to develop ties with this nation.

 

Polish Ambassador to China Krzysztof Szumski believes this and is committed to helping Polish companies move into the coal mining equipment and safety technology market in China.

 

"China is one of Poland's most important partners in Asia and I am looking forward to enhancing economic cooperation in the mining industry," said Szumski, noting the coal industry would maintain its fundamental position in China's economy.

 

He said Polish mining equipment used to be quite popular with Chinese coal mining companies in the 1980s, however, Poland turned its focus towards integration with the EU.

 

But infrastructure improvement in China over the past few years has provided tremendous opportunities for the US and other EU countries to sell equipment and technology to China.

 

"It is now an opportune moment for Poland to get back into the Chinese market," Szumski said.

 

He said coal mining in Poland was similar to China, so Polish products would be well-suited to Chinese coal mine working conditions.

 

As coal mine safety remains a critical issue for Chinese coal mines, Szumski said Polish safety equipment and technology were expected to help alleviate some of China's safety problems.

 

According to Szumski, a "Poland-China Coal Mining Forum," aimed at providing invaluable insight into how to develop successful mining products in China, will be held in Beijing on Thursday, jointly organized by the Polish Embassy and China National Coal Association.

 

More than 100 Chinese coal mining companies and 10 Polish coal mining equipment manufacturers are scheduled to attend the forum.

 

Visiting Polish Foreign Minister Stefan Meller will also attend the opening ceremony of the forum and meet with China's leading work safety official Li Yizhong.

 

In a bid to help Polish business people better explore the Chinese coal mining market, the second phase of the forum will be held in Datong, a coal mining city in North China's Shanxi Province.

 

(China Daily March 28, 2006)