Event review
18th April, 2008, 2.00pm-4.00pm, European Chamber, Shanghai by David Lee dlee@euccc.com.cn
Attendees:
Adele Wang, EUCCC
David Lee, EUCCC
Torbjorn Sternsjo, SAPA
Stig Brehmer, SAPA
Philipp-Morris Egle, Wieland
Monique Jones, Eurometaux
Meeting Minutes:
1.Debriefing Eurometaux – EUCCC new Cooperation Plan
The meeting starts by Eurometaux Coordinator’s debriefing the cooperation renewal between Eurometaux and the European Chamber. The changes of the new cooperation approach will distinguish the Non-Ferrous Metals Working Group and Eurometaux Local Desk and create a platform for EU companies in China to interchange information and increase the advocacy of this industry to both Chinese and EU authorities. And meanwhile, it is also agreed that the WG will coordinate with Eurometaux on common concerns. Cooperation and structure can be described in the chart below
2.Election for NFM WG Chair
Based on the candidacy and consultations with members, Mr. Torbjorn Sternsjo is elected the Chair of the Non-Ferrous Metals Working Group for one year.
3.Position Paper 2008
Moderated by the Chair, members have agreed to raise up the following five key recommendations in the NFM WG Position Paper 2008:
1) Stable, predictable and consistent policies for the non-ferrous metals industry
The constant policy changes have significantly frustrated the potential investors and daunted established EU companies to enhance the investment. The unpredictable and unstable policies have produced impacts on this industry through the following areas:
The remove of favorable policies in free trade zones, which were used to attract foreign investments The unstable energy supply.
2) Aluminum sub-sector specific policy should be based on the understanding on the life cycle of aluminum industry.
Existing regulations have considered aluminum industry as hi-energy-consumption sector, which is solely based on the energy consumption in the early stage of primary metals. However, a study on the whole life cycle of aluminum sector has demonstrated that aluminum products actually effectively reduce energy consumption, especially the recycling of scraps.
3) Remove unreasonable export/import duties.
These duties have restricted regional/ international trade and compromise the competitiveness of China based companies.
4) Create a level environmental framework for both domestic and foreign companies
EU companies have invested in a considerable amount of resources in environmental protection and pollution prevention. However, some reports and studies indicate that on one hand, environmental requirements on foreign companies are over dosed; on the other hand, some domestic companies are not equally regulated.
5) Sound financial and trade regulatory framework
Current policies of metal futures, VAT and currency exchange have impeded the development of this industry.
Given the priorities, drafting key recommendations will be consolidated on 9th May, Friday and circulated in the week of 12th to 15th May.
4.Lobby Strategy
Before the finalizing the draft of the Position Paper 2008, the WG will start dialogues with related Chinese authorities including the Ministry of Commerce and NDRC or the Ministry of Informazation and Industry.
The NFM WG Business Manager(s) will coordinate relevant meetings with the government based on the WG members and Chair’s availability.
Next working group meeting will be held in Shanghai in May and Beijing will also join the meeting through video conference.
5.Out-going issues:
Meeting schedule of 2008 was not decided