10th Annual Position Paper Urges on Improved Market Access and a More Level Playing Field Go back »

2010-09-11 | All chapters

Beijing, 2nd September 2010.  The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China today launches the 10th edition of its primary annual lobbying document, the European Business in China Position Paper 2010/2011.

This year’s Position Paper indicates that improved market access and a level-playing field are necessary to maintain the attractiveness of China as an investment destination for European businesses, but also for China to transition to a more balanced growth model. In order to fully contribute to this process, European businesses must receive fair treatment and increased market access.

China remains one of the most regulated markets on the globe. While the role of foreign investment and business in achieving a more balanced growth model in China has been widely recognized by the government, many obstacles remain for EU businesses to contribute fully to China’s balanced growth.

The Position Paper contains many suggestions to improve the predictability and consistency in the implementation of rules and regulations and to further increase policy consultation with relevant stakeholders, including industry. This year, the Position Paper suggestions’ aim at improving market access by addressing concerns relating to: first - restrictive and discriminatory certification and licensing schemes; second – IP policies impacting market access (such as ‘indigenous innovation’ policies); third – discriminatory government procurement practices.

Without taking measures to address the above market access issues, China risks missing an opportunity to achieve balanced growth, all the while giving pretexts to those in Europe who say China does not act as a responsible trading partner. Dialogue matched by action is key in defusing potential protectionism on all sides.

Jacques de Boisséson, President of the European Chamber, commented, “Over the past year, the European Chamber has witnessed too little progress in the economic opening-up process. China has achieved a robust recovery from the crisis and has acquired a new international economic stature. As a consequence it is in an ideal position to adopt reforms which will allow a more balanced growth. Such reforms should include consultation with industry stakeholders in order to expedite implementation of new measures. The Chamber calls for concrete actions confirm the recent positive trend towards openness and dialogue from Chinese authorities.” 

Drawing on the industry knowledge and expertise of the European Chamber’s over 1,400 member companies, this year’s Position Paper presents Chinese and European policy-makers with more than 380 recommendations in 34 individual papers. In addition, this year’s edition features eight “Local Focus Papers” highlighting the recent developments and specific issues faced by European companies across China. For the first time, this year’s Position Paper also includes recommendations for the EU authorities.

The European Business in China Position Paper 2010/2011 will be presented to government and regulatory agencies in China, to the European Commission and EU member states governments, and to a wide range of business organisations and companies in China and Europe. Following the public launch of the Position Paper across China, members of the European Chamber will travel to Europe to brief senior officials at the EU Commission and in European capitals.

For further information, please contact:

Effie Wu Press Officer

European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

Phone: +86 (0)10 6462 2066 – 22

Mobile: +86 134 8888 1345

E-mail: ewu@euccc.com.cn

Website: www.europeanchamber.com.cn  

北京， 2010年9月2日。中国欧盟商会于今日正式发布了第十版年度《建议书》——《欧盟企业在中国建议书2010/2011》。

今年的《建议书》显示，更开放的市场准入和更公平的环境不仅对中国吸引欧洲投资必不可少，也可促使中国经济向更均衡的模式转型。为了更好地在这个过程中发挥作用，欧盟企业必须获得更公平的待遇和更开放的市场准入。

截止目前为止，中国仍然是全球管制最为严格的市场之一。 虽然中国政府广泛认同外国投资及外国企业在中国经济向更平衡发展模式转型过程中的重要作用，但是欧盟企业在中国市场的实际经营中仍然面临不少阻碍。

今年《建议书》提出了诸多建议，涉及在政策法规实施方面，提高可预见性和一致性；在政策法规制定方面，加强与产业及其他利益相关方的意见征询等内容。今年，针对改善市场准入制度方面，《建议书》总结出三大问题：1) 有限制性及歧视性的认证和许可体系；2) 影响市场准入的知识产权政策（如“自主创新”政策）；3)有歧视性的政府采购行为。

如不积极应对上述问题，中国经济将有可能错失向更平衡模式转型的机会；与此同时，也会落人以口实，在欧洲造成中国没有履行作为一个负责任的贸易伙伴应尽的义务的印象。只有双方加强对话，同时付诸行动，才能防止各方的贸易保护主义行为。

今年的《建议书》综合了1,400余家会员公司的专业知识，针对34项议题向中国与欧洲的政策制定者提出了380余条建议。今年的《建议书》还包括八篇“分会聚焦”，详述了欧洲企业在中国不同城市所面临的近期发展以及问题。除此之外，今年的《建议书》还首次向欧盟相关部门提出了建议。

中国欧盟商会主席戴杰先生评论道：“在过去的一年，欧盟商会在经济开放方面没有看到太多进展。中国成功地从全球经济危机中恢复，并在全球经济中获得了新的地位。这正是中国进行改革，转向更平衡的经济发展模式的绝佳契机。中国应加强与产业界的意见征询，以加快新政策的实施。欧盟商会呼吁中国政府采取切实行动，将近来开放、加强对话的意愿付诸实践。

《欧盟企业在中国建议书2010/2011》将被呈递给中国各级政府及监管机构、欧盟委员会、欧盟各成员国政府和众多中欧两地的商业组织及公司。在中国各地发布《建议书》后，中国欧盟商会的会员代表将前往欧洲向欧盟委员会的高层官员及各成员国政府介绍本《建议书》。

如需更多信息，请联系：

吴冕 中国欧盟商会新闻官

电话: +86 10 6462 2066 - 22

传真: +86 10 6462 2067

手机: +86 134 8888 1345

E-mail: ewu@euccc.com.cn

网址: www.europeanchamber.com.cn  

For more information please contact