by Xinhua writer Gao Wencheng

LONDON, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) secretary-general commended China's expertise in shipbuilding, port infrastructure and maritime technology, as well as its support for developing countries through technical collaboration.

In an interview with Xinhua at the IMO headquarters in London on Friday, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed enthusiasm about his upcoming visit to China, saying he looked forward to seeing the country's maritime development firsthand and exploring opportunities for closer cooperation.

Dominguez will attend the North Bund Forum and the Global Maritime Forum in Shanghai, which begins on Tuesday.

Speaking about China's contribution to the global maritime industry, Dominguez highlighted China's advances in automation and alternative fuels, as well as technologies designed to improve ships' safety, security and operational efficiency.

He also acknowledged China's efforts to help developing countries implement IMO instruments and its direct support for IMO projects, describing such cooperation as "helpful and very welcome."

He noted China's broad participation in the IMO's decision-making process, pointing to the establishment of China's permanent mission to the organization in London this year as a demonstration of its commitment.

"We can see that not only the commitment, but all the areas where we have been working together, and I'm sure that we'll continue that very good relationship that we have," he said.

On the global shipping industry's green transition, Dominguez said China could contribute by demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of new technologies, sharing technical knowledge and experience, and making such technologies available to other countries, particularly developing nations.

He said this would enable more countries to play an active role in improving shipping sustainability and using emerging technologies.

"We talked about a lot of AI, but it's also the safety aspects to use this technology the right way," Dominguez said.

"This is what I also expect from China, that they will use these opportunities to share with others, to implement it, to help other countries to actually raise their bar."

Looking ahead to the upcoming North Bund Forum in Shanghai, Dominguez described it as an important platform for building partnerships and advancing international maritime cooperation.

He said the forum would give the IMO and maritime industry stakeholders an opportunity to outline their next steps, identify the actions needed to advance the sector, and strengthen the partnerships required to put those plans into practice.

Dominguez added that he had long hoped to attend the forum, as direct engagement with maritime stakeholders offered valuable insights into the practical steps being taken to shape the future of shipping.