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China:China-EU meet termed successful |
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2004-9-24
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The first plenary meeting of the China-EU Industrial Dialogue held yesterday in Beijing, was both useful and fruitful, said a senior EU official.
In a closed-door meeting the framework and procedures for dialogue was discussed and went onto look at three particular areas, those of automaking, metals and textiles, said Jean-Paul Mingasson, Director-General of the European Commission''s Enterprise Directorate-General.
He said both sides agreed to develop regular dialogues, with their next meeting likely to be held in Brussels next September or October.
The National Development and Reform Commission led by vice-minister Zhang Guobao is China''s official representative.
Representatives from the three specific industries and associations participated in yesterday''s discussions.
Mingasson said the EU industry had taken note of China''s recently developed ambitious automaking policy, and ambitions to become a global car maker. As part of the industry, EU automakers want to be dealt with fairly.
In respect of textiles, Mingasson said the situation in the EU is difficult and their industry is facing competition from many countries, including China.
"It is unavoidable, because of the comparative advantage, that China''s share will increase after the quota lift," he said.
Under the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing (ATC), all quotas restricting textiles and clothing trade between World Trade Organization (WTO) members will be eliminated by December 31, 2004.
The EU textile industry considers their future lies, for example, in the export of more technically advanced textiles and value-added clothing, he added.
"They need a clear vision of opportunities in the future in China," said Mingasson.
Mingasson noted that EU-China relations have never been more intense and mature.
China-EU bilateral trade is expected to hit US$180 billion this year, compared to US$125.22 billion last year.
The figure increased by 36.6 per cent in the first eight months year-on-year to US$111.65 billion, enabling the EU to replace Japan as China''s largest trading partner after its recent enlargement into a 25-member bloc in May.
China is currently the EU''s second largest trading partner. |
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