Bayer AG, the German life science and chemical multinational, says the new Chinese leadership's increased commitment to environmental conservation shows the country is sending out a more widespread "welcome" message.

Marijn Dekkers, chairman of the Bayer board of management, said the company is also eager to expand its presence in China. His words came at a news forum on innovation in Germany on Wednesday, the same day the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China was elected at the closing of 18th national congress of the Party.

The CPC has placed an equal emphasis at the congress on the economic, cultural and social aspects of environmental protection as it designs a development strategy. That message was interpreted by many as constituting a strategic priority of the coming leadership.

"Our research topics, such as nutrition, health and the efficient use of resources, are very much the priority of the new leadership and are being given a great emphasis in China," Dekkers said. "So we are well prepared to meet the needs of Chinese people."

Dekkers said China has participated in debates about environmental protection and sustainable development in recent years and the results of those discussions have been included in the nation's previous Five-Year Plans.

Wolfgang Plischke, a member of the Bayer AG board of management responsible for innovation, ecology and sustainability, said the company has significantly increased its research and development in all of its businesses in China in the past two years.

It is now conducting about 50 research and development projects with Chinese partners, such as the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tongji University.

"China is very important for us," Plischke said. "We have very strong priorities and we will put a lot of resources into this country."

fujing@chinadaily.com.cn