China, EU should expand trade, investment ties to cope with external uncertainty: Chinese Premier

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday called on China and the European Union to expand trade and investment ties to enhance the resilience and vitality of both sides' economies and better cope with external uncertainties.

Li Qiang made the announcement at a China-EU entrepreneurs' symposium at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, which was also attended by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Speaking to about 60 business leaders, Li Qiang stressed that cooperation is the only right choice for China and the EU, noting that the bilateral trade and economic cooperation has shown strong internal vigor in the half-century since the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Facing rising protectionism and unilateralism, China and Europe can become a bulwark of stability for economic globalization and international supply chains by advocating free trade and multilateralism and engaging in closer economic and trade cooperation, the premier said.

Li Qiang proposed that both sides focus on areas such as trade in services, scientific and technological innovation, green economy and cooperation with third parties, building a relationship of healthy competition and cooperation.

He called on enterprises from both sides to adhere to an open attitude, closely align their needs and deepen cooperation in areas such as industrial investment, market expansion and joint research and development.

The Chinese leader assured that China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, shorten the negative list for foreign investment, strengthen intellectual property protection and ensure fair competition.

"We invite more European enterprises to invest in China and develop in an all-round way in China," Li Qiang said, calling on the EU in turn to provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises investing in Europe.

W. von der Leyen, for her part, noted that China is not only a major industrial power, but also achieves outstanding results in the field of innovation.

According to her, the European Union hopes to take advantage of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to deepen a long-term, stable and mutually beneficial partnership with China.

She pointed out that the EU intends to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as trade and investment, jointly promote the stability of industrial and supply chains, properly resolve differences and create a favorable environment for cooperation and business.

The EU has no intention of cutting ties with China and welcomes investment and activities by Chinese companies in Europe, the head of the European Commission added. –0–

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