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ust in time for the torrential rains that paralyzed Jakarta during rush hour on Wednesday, the governments of China and Denmark are offering the city their expertise in managing floods.

Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Liu Jianchao said on Wednesday that Beijing and Jakarta faced similar problems of urban development.

“A number of citizens in China, including those in Beijing, are also facing the challenge of floods,” Liu said after a meeting with Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at City Hall. “We have developed some sophisticated expertise and technology in flood control that we want to share with the Jakarta administration and the people.”

Liu said that several Chinese companies might be able to aid the city. “There are a number of Chinese companies that specialize in projects in flood control, dredging and cleaning up water. We have the expertise and know-how to work with the administration to control floods.”

“The discussion [with Jokowi] was really thoughtful and constructive. I am very inspired by the very warm and positive response from the governor on bilateral relations,” Liu said.

In separate meeting with Jokowi, Danish Ambassador to Indonesia Martin Bille Hermann said that Copenhagen was set to share its experience and lessons learned in handling environmental issues triggered by climate change with the city administration.

“In Copenhagen about two years ago we also had incessant rainfall that also led to severe flooding in large parts of Copenhagen with great loss to property and livelihood of the people,” Hermann said.

“It is not a problem that you can solve from one day to the next. We collaborated with many different stakeholders to put together a plan on how we could deal with the changing climate and increasing rainfall.”

Hermann added that Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr would likely follow up on the offer in a visit to the city in early March.

Hermann said that Dyhr’s visit would look at how Danish technology and know-how could benefit Jakarta and would also explore how Denmark could learn from Jakarta’s experience.

Also on Dyhr’s agenda would be discussions on potential investments in infrastructure and water management, he added.

Liu said Beijing wanted to expand its relationship with Jakarta. “We agreed to work on projects such as flood control, transportation, communications, education, culture and human resources development programs,” Liu said.

The ambassador said that Beijing might provide some guidance for Jakarta as the Indonesian capital wrestles with its horrendous traffic problems.

“China is very proud to be the country that has provided more than 60 buses to Jakarta,” Liu said, referring to the buses made by Shangdong-based Zhongtong Bus Holding Co., Ltd. currently operated by Transjakarta. “I hope we can play a good role in easing traffic problems and make transportation easier for the people of Jakarta.”

Meanwhile, Jokowi welcomed the offers of assistance. “These countries want to help us solve several issues with their technology based on their experience in their respective countries,” he said. “If Jakarta needs it, why not?”

The governor said that Chinese firms may bid on projects related to the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and monorail systems that are expected to start in the near future.

Jokowi said that he advised the ambassador that he preferred business-to-business collaborations, inviting Chinese involvement in the projects and their tenders.

Last week, the Korean government pledged it commitment to help the administration to restore the Ciliwung River — the largest of 13 rivers running through the capital — as part of the city’s mitigation program.