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EU-China investment agreement is hopeful sign, but clarity on substance is critical

Europe’s automotive suppliers welcome the conclusion of negotiations between the EU and China on a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment

 

Sigrid de Vries, CLEPA secretary general, comments: “China is our industry’s second most important investment destination and European automotive suppliers are the biggest foreign investors in the sector in China. There are growing concerns that investment and market access conditions in China are uncertain and do not reflect the openness of the European market. A deal that secures and improves reciprocity in market access and investment conditions is therefore crucial for our industry and the protection of hundred thousands of jobs across the EU and China.”

 

European suppliers would support a deal that eliminates hurdles for investment in so-called new energy vehicles, provides enhanced protection of intellectual property and introduces more transparency and disciplines on state aid to establish a level playing field and reduce market distortions. Lastly, the deal could provide a meaningful institutional underpinning for cooperation between the EU and China to achieve climate neutrality and address human rights concerns.

 

CLEPA wants to acknowledge the efforts on both sides over the past seven years to come to an agreement. De Vries: “With the political decision to conclude negotiations being taken, it is now critical that the European Commission engages with all stakeholders to provide more clarity on the substance of the agreement. European suppliers currently lack sufficient detail on the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment to assess whether the sector’s concerns are sufficiently addressed. CLEPA is ready to scrutinise the agreement in principle and contribute to the next steps.”

 

 

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