Brussels pushes to open talks for EU-China investment accord

The European Commission intends to open negotiations with China to reach an investment agreement that could lead to a broader trade deal if the two partners can overcome anti-dumping disputes.

“An EU-China investment agreement will help deepen our ties and sends the signal that we are firmly committed to building a strong partnership,” EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht said yesterday (23 May), asking member states to be given a mandate to negotiate the accord.

The agreement would secure access to investment markets for both sides and improve the treatment of investors and their assets – including key technologies and intellectual property rights.

Source: Euractiv