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2006-05-09 | All chapters

Sino-EU Business: Consolidation and Beyond
Silvia Sartori, China Daily, 9th May 2006

With bilateral trade amounting to 200 billion euros (US$240 billion) in 2005, the European Union (EU) has confirmed itself as China's largest trading partner.

"The consolidation of commercial relations is meanwhile being paralleled by an increasingly significant role played by the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China," pointed out by the recently re-elected Chamber President, Serge Janssens de Varebeke.

China views the EU as a strong and supportive counterpart, and welcomes a sound partnership.

After more than 30 years of diplomatic relations, Sino-European dialogues continue, with great achievements in the past and new challenges ahead.

Cultural exchanges have multiplied and political co-operation has consolidated and embraced every new endeavour. Each year China and Europe move closer, bringing new opportunities to the fore.

A clear indicator of this positive trend is the larger participation of the European Chamber in major Chinese events.

Early this year, for instance, the chamber was invited to co-sponsor the Expo 2010 corporate participation information session.

Dr Xavier Chen spoke as chairman of the European Chamber's Energy and Utility Policy Working Group during the EU-China Energy Conference. Douglas Clark, chairman of the Shanghai Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Working Group, took part in the 2006 China Forum on Criminal IP Protection.

The chamber was also involved in the roundtables for the 2007 Special Olympics.

"Not only do these initiatives enhance the chamber's role in both local and national projects but they also strengthen the voice of the European business in China," Janssens said.

Europe takes an active part in the current Chinese development both as a receiver and as a contributor. China's growth is continuously offering new possibilities that are appealing to European investors and operators.

At the same time, Europe plays a role in shaping the development pattern itself. Through mutual co-operation, China is in a position to draw on European history and expertise as it strives for sound and sustainable development.

Recommendations

The Chinese authorities seriously consider recommendations put forward by the Chamber through its working groups and its annual position paper in their decision-making processes.

In the past few months, the European Chamber warmly welcomed several decisions announced by Chinese ministries. In February, the Chinese State Trademark Office decided to give free public access to the trademark database online.

This significant step forward in IPR protection mirrors input provided by the European Chamber in this field. This move also represents China's continuous efforts in complying with WTO commitments and improving the business environment.

The Chamber's spokes man praised the Ministry of Commerce's decision to decentralize approvals regarding the expansions of business scope and the establishment of foreign-invested enterprises.

At the same time, the State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) has lifted the pre-labelling verification required for importing food and beverage products into China. All of these were measures that the Chamber's workings groups had suggested as crucial recommendations.

The European Chamber has uniquely positioned itself as a bridge allowing European businesses to deliver their concerns and suggestions to the relevant offices in the Chinese government to improve their business climate.

Recently comments have been submitted regarding energy efficiency in construction, the rules of administration of representative offices of foreign insurance institutions and the draft of the New Labour Contract Law.

"In this continuous and constructive dialogue with the Chinese authorities, Europe conveys the fruits of its own development process in view of a jointly beneficial partnership," Serge Janssens de Varebeke said.

Relations consolidated

As a non-profit organization, the European Chamber has a clear interest in the Chinese business climate for European operators and the resulting improvement of Sino-European relations.

This implies a bilateral process whereby Europe supports China's participation in the WTO and the global economy at large. And then China welcomes the invaluable support Europe provides during its outstanding growth.

It is noteworthy indeed that the European Chamber consistently reaches out to the Chinese authorities.

Long-established relations are being consolidated. This is the case, for example, with the China Council for Promotion of International Trade, the Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange and the State Intellectual Property Office.

This approach is adopted not only in the capital but also on a local level, as shown by regular dialogues with the Shanghai Economic Relations and Trade Commission.

In addition to traditional contacts, the European Chamber is building up new relations, for instance with the Ministry of Information and Industry.

The decision on pre-labelling verification shows the extent of the Chamber's dialogue with the AQSIQ. The Chamber has also co-operated with the National Development and Reform Commission for the launch of the China Energy Yearbook.

Working closely with European Institutions, the Chamber also supports the dialogue between representatives from Brussels and their Chinese counterparts.

The Delegation of the European Commission and the European Chamber are welcoming an increasing number of commissioners visiting China to further consolidate their bilateral relationship and trade.

High-level meetings regularly take place where the two parties exchange views on current issues, discuss new opportunities and foster what Janssens calls "a thorough and responsible approach for a long-term partnership."

(China Daily page16, click here to view the article on China Daily's website)