European Chamber Statement on the Decision of the 4th Plenum Go back »

2014-10-30 | All chapters

Beijing, 30 October 2014 – The European Chamber is encouraged by the fact that the Fourth Plenary Session’s Decision (4th Plenum Decision) has reaffirmed the importance of the principle of ‘rule of law’.

In last year’s 3^rd Plenum Decision, the Chinese Government acknowledged that sustained economic growth in China relies on market forces and the ‘rule of law’.

The 4^th Plenum Decision provides a blueprint to improve China’s legal, administrative and judiciary system. It states a commitment to the principles of “judicial fairness”, “governing the country according to the law”, “equality under the law” and “fair and civilized law enforcement”.

Past implementation of these principles has, however, been weak, and the European business community hopes that this time the political will is strong enough to provide the judicial system with more independence, clarity and professionalism and to lead the business environment to a new level of certainty, accountability and transparency.  

In this year’s Business Confidence Survey, European Chamber members ranked an ‘Unpredictable Legislative Environment’ and ‘Discretionary Enforcement of Laws and Regulations’ as the top regulatory obstacles they encounter in doing business in China. Strengthening the rule of law and applying its guiding principles throughout the government and the judiciary is likely to address these core issues and increase legal predictability and certainty to the benefit of all market players. 

European Chamber President Jörg Wuttke stated, “The Party outlined a roadmap towards the year 2020 last November. The 4^th Plenum Decision’s objective of strengthening the rule of law is another decisive step on this path. China now needs to progress swiftly to let the market play its role and the government play its functions better under the auspices of the rule of law.”

Mr Wuttke continued, “Greater emphasis on rule of law will serve China well in achieving its development goals. Increased transparency in both law making and implementation, adherence to due process as well as a judiciary free from government interference will be key. This will furthermore reduce corruption and increase trust in the marketplace.

About the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China was originally founded by 51 member companies based in China on 19th October 2000. It now has approximately 1,800 member companies throughout China across nine offices in seven chapters. The rationale for the establishment of the European Chamber was based on the need of the European Union and European businesses in China to find a common voice within various business sectors. The European Chamber is recognised by the European Commission and the Chinese authorities as the official voice of European Business in China, and seeks greater market access and improved operating conditions for European companies.

Please click here to view the Chinese press release.

For more information, please contact:

Mr. Max Merkle｜European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

Communications Coordinator

European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

Office C412, Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Road, Beijing 100125 Tel: +86 (10) 6462 2066 *25

Fax: +86 (10) 6462 2067 Email: mmerkle@europeanchamber.com.cn

For more information please contact

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