HOUSTON, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Innovation and technological cooperation between China and the United States has played an important role in promoting the healthy and smooth development of bilateral relations, Chinese Consul General in Houston, Li Qiangmin, has said.

Cooperation in science and technology, in the meantime, has brought tangible benefits to the peoples of the two countries, Li told Xinhua prior to the third U.S.-China Innovation and Investment Summit scheduled to be held on May 14-15 in Houston, the fourth largest U.S. city.

Li pointed out that innovation is the soul of a company's development. Without innovation, it is difficult for a company to sustain its development. Many American companies have a history of innovation and development and are worthy of learning from China in many aspects, he added.

Supported by Science and Technology Ministry of China and Chinese Consulate General in Houston, the summit is co-hosted by China Science and Technology Exchange Center and US CHINA Innovation Alliance.

The summit aims to provide a unique opportunity for U.S.-based technology companies to connect with investors, strategic partners, leading incubators or accelerators, and professional services firms from China.

It serves as the platform for companies to leverage significant resources from China to accelerate their growth and to expand their market potential.