Chen Deming Meets with Trade Commissioner of EC

Minister of Commerce Chen Deming met with Karel De Gucht, the visiting trade commissioner of the European Commission (EC) in Beijing on April 27.
Chen Deming extended a welcome to De Gucht s first visit to China in his capacity as trade commissioner of EC and congratulated him on his being elected as trade commissioner of EC once again, hoping that the two sides keep close cooperation to make positive efforts and contributions to enhance the sustainable, sound and steady development of Sino-European economic and trade relations.
Chen pointed out that with joint efforts of the two sides, China-EU economic and trade cooperation in 2009 maintained steady development in spite of numerous adverse factors like the financial crisis. According to statistics of China, EU's trade deficit with China fell 32.3% in 2009, and bilateral trade volume reached US$ 101.47 billion in the first quarter of 2010, up 35.1% year-on-year. And EU actual investment in China was US$ 1.44 billion, up 8.1% year-on-year. The two sides shall further deepen bilateral economic and trade cooperation and jointly oppose the protectionism in trade and investment, so as to create advantageous conditions to expand mutual trade and investment, and advance economic recovery.
De Gucht said that China-Europe economic and trade relations play an important role in the comprehensive strategic partnership, and he is pleased to see the continuous development of Europe-China economic and trade relations, and Europe is willing to strengthen exchanges with the Chinese side to enhance bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
The two sides also exchanged views on the current world economic situation and pushing forward the Doha Round Talks.