The Position Paper is published annually and represents the overall views of European companies doing business in China.

It details the key concerns and recommendations of each of the 28 Working Groups and 6 Forums in regard to WTO implementation issues, trade issues and broader policy-related issues. The Position Paper is presented to the Chinese government and EU authorities each year with the aim of improving the investment climate in China.

INTRODUCTION
European Business views the Chinese market as more important than ever but calls for an end to the industrialpolicy interventions and foreign investment restrictions that threaten to stifle a new generation of reforms.

Since the publication of the European Chamber’s last Position Paper, China has taken a number of positive steps to improve the market environment for foreign companies.

Though the issues faced by specific industries become more complex, the overarching theme of this year’s Paper remains clear and simple: European businesses firmly believe that China can – and should – continue the process of opening up its markets and creating a free and fair environment for all businesses operating here.

The members of the European Chamber remain confident in the Chinese market and optimistic about their business prospects here, despite the impact of the economic crisis.

However, right across industries, European businesses are still impeded by issues concerning market access, legal and political transparency and the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The spectre of protectionism has also appeared, and European companies are increasingly concerned by the tendency for local companies to be favoured over foreign-invested ones.

These issues, and the many others highlighted in the following chapters, are hindering free competition and, as such, are preventing the Chinese economy from moving towards a new level of sustained – and sustainable – economic growth.

At a time when governments everywhere are seeking solutions to the financial crisis by restructuring their economies, China has a prime opportunity to put in place the measures needed to create a fair and equitable market environment that can maintain in the decades ahead the impressive economic growth of recent years.

The European Business in China Position Paper 2009/2010 offers China’s policy-makers a multitude of recommendations on how to make the shift from an investment- and export-oriented economy to a more balanced economic structure based on growing domestic consumption.

Reflecting the growing complexity and dynamism of the Chinese market, this year’s Position Paper includes a number of changes and new additions. For the first time, we include a chapter dedicated to the Financial Services Industry, which it is hoped will contribute to a constructive dialogue on a unified approach towards financial services.

This year’s edition also features eight “Local Focus Papers”, highlighting the recent developments and specific issues faced by European companies around China. They also illustrate how the European Chamber is active in eight cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou and Shenzhen), Shanghai, Shenyang and Tianjin.

China’s three decades of opening up and reform have brought unparalleled growth and success to this country. The European Chamber believes that, by creating a level playing field for all businesses operating in this market, China can continue this remarkable trend and bring its economy to the next level of development. ...

Visit European Business in China Position Paper 2009/2010 Download Page

You can download European Business in China Position Paper 2009/2010 in PDF format.

Message from the President
The European Business in China Position Paper 2009/2010 is the ninth paper published by the European Chamber since our organization was founded in 2000.

Reflecting the growing diversity and complexity of China’s market environment it is also the most comprehensive Position Paper to date, bringing together 40 individual papers prepared by the European Chamber’s 28 Working Groups and 6 Forums in our seven Chapters around the country (Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Pearl River Delta, Shanghai, Shenyang and Tianjin).

These papers draw on the wealth of knowledge and experience of the members of the European Chamber – European companies active across China – and represent a summation of their views and recommendations about the business environment in their individual sectors.

Our goal in providing these recommendations is to promote an open and constructive dialogue on China’s economic and commercial future. At a time of profound change in the global economic landscape, the European Chamber recognises that China, like all other major economies, faces unprecedented challenges. But we also believe that there now exists a stronger impetus than ever for the Chinese government to make the deep, structural changes needed to drive China’s economy on to a new level of sustainable growth.

In the pages that follow are laid out a series of recommendations on how China can best make this transition from an investment- and export-oriented economy to a more sustainable economic system based on a fair and transparent market environment.

These recommendations are addressed primarily to the Chinese government. However, I believe that all those with an interest in business in China will find value in this Paper, and I hope that they too will join in the discussion on the country’s economic future.

As such, it is our goal that this Paper can contribute to improving EU-China dialogues, further strengthening EU-China trade and investment links, and promoting sustainable development in China.

On behalf of the European Chamber, I express our sincere gratitude to China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), and the many departments of Chinese central and local governments who, through their consistent support and openness, have made our work possible.

I would also like to thank all the members of the European Chamber, and the Chairs and Vice Chairs of the Chamber’s Working Groups, for volunteering their time and expertise to produce this valuable paper.

The road to economic recovery is challenging, but we look forward to continuing to engage in a fruitful discussion with governments, businesses and industry associations in China and in Europe in the months ahead.

Joerg Wuttke
President
European Union Chamber of Commerce in China

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