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EU firms in China broadly optimistic despite rising challenges-EU Chamber
XFN-Asia, 25th November 2008

BEIJING (XFN-ASIA) - European Union firms in China are generally optimistic and remain committed to the market despite mounting challenges such as the slowing economy, the EU Chamber of Commerce in China said.

Other challenges include a substantial lack of regulatory transparency, increasing economic nationalism, ongoing challenges in the protection of intellectual property rights and the discriminatory enforcement of environmental regulations, said EU Chamber president Joerg Wuttke.

Still, the rising number of European companies here, particularly small- and medium-sized firms, demonstrates that China remains an attractive destination for investors, the EU Chamber said in its annual business confidence survey.

It added that China is the most important emerging market for European businesses.

The survey noted that more companies are reporting greater profitability than last year and that business growth potential in China is still high. Given the global economic slowdown, the Chinese market may actually rise in significance for European businesses, the EU Chamber said.

The survey of over 250 European companies will be presented to government and regulatory agencies in China, the European Commission and EU governments, as well as business organizations and companies in Europe and China.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/afxnewslimited/feeds/afx/2008/11/25/afx5737767.html