Strategy for the Trade and Economic Relations Between the EU and China Go back »

2006-05-24 | Beijing

Strategy for the Trade and Economic Relations Between the EU and China

Approaching the end of China's 5-year WTO transition period both the EU and China have called for the opening of negotiations on a new Framework Agreement governing bilateral trade and investment relations. In light of this the European Commission is currently in the process of a major strategic review of trade and economic relations between the EU and China. A first step in this review is the writing of Communication to the Council, to be issued in 2006, which will focus on what the challenges and opportunities that China's rise will present to the EU, and what policies EU should pursue.

As a central part of this process the Commission and Directorate Generale for Trade has launched a public consultation inviting the public to submit their views on:
- What are the most important opportunities for Europe in China's economic growth and greater weight in international trade
- What should the EU do to grasp these new opportunities?
- What are the challenges and risks for the EU from China's rise?
- How should the EU respond to these challenges and risks?

The preliminary results will be presented at a high-level Conference in Brussels on 7th July 2006, during which key stakeholders from society, business and governments will express their visions of EU-China trade relations. The European Chamber will be represented by its President, Serge Janssens de Varebeke, who is expected to deliver a speech. In addition the to the consultation, the EU-China Trade Project and Development Solutions are currently conducting a survey on behalf of the European Commission with the objective to quantify the future perspectives of European firms working in or with China. We encourage companies to fill in relevant survey below and return it to stephan@developmentsolutions.com.cn by 1st June: 

Agriculture Banking and Insurance Chemical
Construction Distribution
Machinery  Pharmaceutical Telecom Equipment Telecom Services Transport 

This is the first time the EU is developing a comprehensive China strategy solely focusing on trade and investment, and the European Chamber applauds the initiative. We are currently in the process of drafting our comments and welcome input from our members. Please note that it also possible for companies (as well as individuals) to submit their comments directly to the Commission, however we strongly advise all companies also to make use of the Chamber for this important issue.
More information about the consultation is available at the European Commission's webpage please click here, and by contacting Rhian Kelly on rhiankelly@euccc.com.cn.