Chinese Vice Premier: Europe China's "distant neighbor"

12-22-2010 08:28 BJT

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The third China-EU Economic and Trade Dialogue has been held in Beijing. The two sides have agreed to further strengthen their economic ties. CCTV reporter Zhang Ni has this report from Beijing.

Cooperation was word frequently used during the dialogue. After going through all cooperation projects after the 2nd Dialogue held last year, the head of EU delegation expressed his confidence.

Jiaoguin Almunia, Vice President of EU Commission, said, "We would like to cooperate with China, through equal competence in EU and China. This is our engagement."

China is now Europe's second largest export market, and Europe has been China's biggest trading partner for over 6 years. China-EU economic ties are growing steadily. However, post financial crisis after shocks are still posing challenges to both parties.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (2nd R), European Commission Vice President in charge of competition policy Joaquin Almunia (2nd L), Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht (1st L) and Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn (1st R), attend the press conference on the Third China-EU High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 21, 2010. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chen Deming, Chinese Minister of Commerce, said, "The first problem is uncertainty about the future developement of the world economy. We are closely following how Europe will deal with their debt crisis. The second is that the Doha negotiations are still going. If there is a breakthrough next year, the EU-China ecnomic relationship will be even better."

This is the first high-level EU-China Economic and Trade Dialogue since the Lisbon Treaty. It represents a fresh start in the development of the two parties.