Presentation of the 2016/2017 Position Paper to the French Ambassador

2016-09-22 | All chapters

The Vice-President highlighted three points as the main focus of this year's Position Paper. First, one major concern refers to the 13th five year plan, particularly to the importance attributed to role of the State and the administration in defining policies and regulations in China. The plan does not bring about openness and integration and this additionally undermines the status of European companies in China. Second, the decisions of the Third Plenum still need to be implemented. A clear and precise roadmap is needed because, as things stand right now, the policies adopted so far are going backwards compared to what the Chinese government stated in the Plenum One clear example of this is the Negative List. On a third point, the Vice-President pointed out the absence of a level playing field and the lack of reciprocity in the field of investments. In this context, European companies cannot take advantage of the same favorable conditions applicable to Chinese companies doing business both domestically and internationally.

On a final note, it was highlighted how important the negotiations for the conclusion of an Investment Agreement are as well as its good reception and acceptance, particularly in Europe.

The French Ambassador warmly welcomed the efforts put into the work and the key messages delivered.