In response to growing protectionist trends that threaten the stability of the global economy, China and Germany are taking proactive steps to enhance their economic cooperation. Approximately 200 representatives from both nations' government and business sectors supported the initiative at the China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum held on Monday in Stuttgart, Germany.
The forum, organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), operated under the theme \"New Opportunities for China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation in the Context of Global Supply Chain Restructuring.\" Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening international collaboration rather than undermining it in the face of protectionist headwinds.
Johannes Jung, Director of Strategy, Commercial Law, Foreign Trade, and Europe at the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, voiced concerns over the rise of protectionism. Jung highlighted that globally active companies require open markets, fair trade relations, and a reliable international environment to ensure the safety of their foreign investments. He stressed the necessity of establishing equal, fair, and competitive conditions abroad and advocated for regular political and private visits to promote mutual understanding and deepen cooperation.
Ren Hongbin, Chairman of CCPIT, expressed the organization's commitment to collaborating with German partners to unlock the potential of trade cooperation. Ren emphasized the intent to continue facilitating the entry of high-quality German products, such as automobiles and agricultural machinery, into the Chinese market, while also enhancing cooperation in industrial and supply chains. Additionally, CCPIT aims to promote bilateral investments and create a favorable business environment to encourage more Chinese companies to invest in Germany.
Tim Wenniges, Deputy CEO of the Entrepreneurs Baden-Württemberg Association, described the forum as a \"positive signal\" demonstrating that cooperation between China and Germany is both possible and desirable. Representing businesses across various sectors, Wenniges underscored the extensive economic ties between the two nations, noting that China remains a crucial trading partner for Germany with significant mutual investments and engagements.
Wang Xiao, Director of Genertec International Holding Co., Ltd., remarked on the profound changes in the global supply chain and their impact on Sino-German cooperation. Wang advocated for enhanced collaboration based on openness, tolerance, and mutual benefit as the optimal path to overcoming challenges and achieving win-win outcomes.
Huang Yiyang, Consul General of China in Frankfurt, highlighted China's appeal as a destination for foreign investments due to its open approach. Huang expressed optimism about more German companies benefiting from China's ongoing industrial transformation and technological innovation.
Further strengthening the bilateral relationship, Lin Shunjie, Chairman of China International Exhibition Center Group Limited, announced the third China International Supply Chain Expo scheduled for July 16 in China. The expo will feature collaborations with German partners like Wolqe GmbH and China Network Baden-Württemberg, with 19 German companies from sectors such as smart automotive, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing attending the last expo. Lin is confident that the upcoming event will attract more German businesses, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the global supply chain.
Reference(s):
China, Germany eye closer cooperation amid rising protectionism
cgtn.com
