Dialogue and negotiation the way forward. Go back »
2006-06-15 | Beijing
Dialogue and negotiation the way forwardIn a closed-door briefing with EU Trade Chief, Peter Mandelson, the Chamber's Advisory Council last week discussed the role of the EU in China post WTO. Members were upbeat about the opportunities for EU business in China and confirmed that EU investors had a good reputation with the Chinese authorities. Europe's expertise in areas such financial services, environmental services and renewable energy will present new opportunities in the coming years for EU-China cooperation.
Advisory council members stressed that dialogue and negotiation need to be at the heart of the EU-China relationship, as each side shoulders its responsabilities over the next 5-10 years. Therefore alongside calls for stronger Dialogue, the Council expressed concerns regarding market access and the general investment environment. In particular, the council mentioned IPR protection, public procurement, high capital requirements and increasing local content requirements, issues which are essential for Chinese authorities to address if both sides are reap to full benefits of the relationship.
Earlier in the week Mr. Mandelson opened the Chamber's new Pearl River Delta Chapter, speaking to a gathering of over 200 members of the European business community in Guangzhou. He also met with leading businessmen to discuss the investment environment in the Delta.