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2010-09-29 | All chapters

Italian official calls for common EU policy on China
Xinhua News Agency, 28th September 2010

Europe must speak with one voice when it comes to China, a senior official of the Italian Foreign Ministry said Monday.

It is crucial that the European Union (EU) understands the importance of "appearing united on the global scene," especially with regard to EU-China relations, said Giampiero Massolo, secretary general of the Foreign Ministry, at the presentation of the 10th position paper on China issued by the European Chamber of Commerce in China.

"Europe must build a common position, given that the relationship with China cannot be addressed at a national level by each single member state individually," he said.

The position paper on China is one of the most important publications on business in China. It analyzes both opportunities and challenges of doing business in China.

Paolo Zegna, vice president of Italy's leading industrial association Confindustria, said he agreed with Massolo.

China represented an incredible opportunity for European firms wanting to do business there, he added.

Among the main recommendations of the report, to be presented to the European Commission -- the EU's executive arm -- and to all member states, is the need of increasing dialogue between the European and Chinese counterparts.