China's new modernization drive will bring Sino-EU cooperation to a new height as economic transformation widens the range of cooperation on both sides, according to a Chinese official in Suzhou Wednesday.

Zhang Yansheng, deputy secretary-general of the Academic Committee of the National Development and Research Commission, spoke with China.org.cn at a press conference during the 4th China-Europe High-Level Political Parties Forum which concluded Wednesday.

The 18th CPC National Congress called for the synchronized development of industrialization, IT application, urbanization and agricultural modernization. New modes of modernization are expected to help China develop through continued transformation and innovation.

Urbanization will see 630 million Chinese ascend to middle class economic standing, an increase of 400 million from current levels in 20 to 30 years, said Zhang. This will usher in a golden period for Sino-Europe cooperation, as the Chinese people will have a new pattern of consumption in China.

Instead of cheap goods, Chinese consumer will prefer high-quality goods and services. Chinese citizens want smart cities and long-term green investments – not short-term dirty projects.

In addition, China now advocates innovation-driven industrialization to transform traditional industries and support emerging industries. As Europe boasts the richest resources for innovation, the two sides should enhance their IT application and IPR protection capabilities.

Opportunities for cooperation between China and Europe are also on the rise in the fields of education and agriculture.

Education, especially vocational and skills training, is extremely important to China as the country lags far behind in these two areas. Germany and Greece are doing well in this regard.

Zhang Jinjun, vice minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of CPC, also said the EU has experience in achieving urban sustainable development, whether positive or negative, could serve as a reference point for China.

The "new four modernizations" include industrialization, informatization, urbanization and agricultural modernization.

China first put forward the term "four modernizations" in the early 1960s, targeting the fields of industry, agriculture, national defense and science and technology.