CCIEE and Konrad-Adenauer Foundation hold Online Seminar

On May 20, CCIEE and Konrad-Adenauer Foundation hold an online seminar, discussing such issues as China-Germany and China-Europe economic relations and how will the pandemic affect the relations. Zhang Xiaoqiang, Executive Vice-Chairman of CCIEE, attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

Zhang Xiaoqiang pointed out that China-EU relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. Strengthening the China-EU relations will not only serve the interests of both parties, but also safeguard world peace and stability. The pandemic has brought both challenges and opportunities to the China-EU economic and trade cooperation. For example, biomedicine, online conferences, e-commerce, intelligent logistics and distribution have developed rapidly during the pandemic period. There will be many new opportunities and growth points in the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure in the future.

Zhang Xiaoqiang said that China, Germany and Europe can reach consensuses on cooperation in six fields. First of all, strengthening cooperation in the medical and health fields. The two sides can explore new models of cooperation and provide new growth points for the recovery of economic and trade cooperation after the pandemic. Secondly, they should continue to improve opening-up and promote industrial cooperation. Specifically, they should enhance cooperation in the fields of information technology, advanced manufacturing, environmental protection and digital economy to create a competitive business environment. Moreover, they should ensure fairness and mutual benefit and strengthen communication on intellectual property protection and expansion of imports.

Thirdly, they should continue to expand investment cooperation and accelerate the conclusion and implementation of the China-EU Bilateral Investment Agreement (BIT). Besides, they should establish an equal and transparent investment mechanism, improve legal protections, reduce investment barriers, and strengthen direct investment. Fourthly, the two sides should strengthen scientific and technological innovation cooperation. China could learn from Germany’s advanced manufacturing technology and vocational and technical education system, promote technical innovation cooperation between enterprises and gradually expand the cooperation from manufacturing to the service industry. Fifthly, the two sides should strengthen cooperation in global governance and maintain the multilateral trading system. They should Jointly promote trade liberalization and economic globalization, oppose protectionism, promote WTO reforms and economic globalization. Lastly, they should strengthen cooperation in climate change. Officials from China, Europe and Germany should carry out research and exchange activities to further deepen practical cooperation in addressing climate change.

Both sides agreed that China-EU relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world. The consolidation and development of the bilateral economic and trade relations and cooperation are very important, especially in the fight against the pandemic. Strengthening cooperation between China and Europe will not only benefit both parties, but also help maintain world peace and stable development. China, Germany and Europe should shoulder their common responsibilities, reshape the supply chain, maintain economic openness and interconnection, and jointly create a competitive environment. In the future, China, Germany and Europe can reach consensuses on cooperation in more fields and play their role as a responsible big country, especially in the areas of trade, investment, industrial chain, digital economy, climate change and global governance.

Representatives from both China and Germany participated in the online seminar, including Zhang Xiaoqiang, Executive Vice-President of CCIEE, Zhang Yansheng, Chief Researcher of CCIEE, Xu Chaoyou, Director-General of the Department of External Affairs, Zhang Huanbo, Head of the US-Europe Institute of CCIEE, Tan Jun and Guo Yingfeng, Associated Researchers of CCIEE, Peter Hefele, Head of the Asia-Pacific Team of the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation, David Gregos, Global Economic Policy Coordinator, Claudia Barkowsky, Chief Representative of the VDMA China (German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), Stefan Gaetzner, Head of the BDI (The Federation of German Industries) Beijing Office.