On March 13, Ambassador Fu Cong, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, attended the meeting of members of the EU-China Business Association (EUCBA) and delivered a keynote speech.
Ambassador Fu said that 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) made well-rounded, systematic strategic plans for China’s socio-economic development in the next five years and beyond, and the just-concluded “Two Sessions” set out a blueprint for high-quality development this year and beyond. A clear and important message is the continuity and stability of China’s internal and external policies. Internally, China will follow the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, put people front and center, and deepen reform and opening up. Externally, China will continue to uphold world peace, promote common development, and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Guided by 20th CPC National Congress, the fundamentals sustaining China’s prosperity and steady growth remain unchanged, so does the country’s determination to pursue high-standard opening up and the bright prospect of the China-EU relations.
Ambassador Fu noted that the year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership. As China emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the two sides are making preparations for this year’s China-EU summit and resuming dialogue and cooperation in various fields. This will further develop the partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation, and bring much-needed confidence and hope for global prosperity and stability. Businesses stand at the core of the bilateral practical cooperation. It’s important that EUCBA sends more strong messages to the European side on strengthening practical cooperation, so as to create a favorable political atmosphere through closer economic and trade ties.
Mr. Jochum Haakma, Chairman of EUCBA, congratulated Ambassador Fu for assuming the new role. He said that EUCBA and all of its member businesses have all along attached great importance to the Chinese market. They are prepared to deepen practical cooperation and enhance the bilateral relationship.
Ambassador Fu also had in-depth and candid exchanges with the participants on such issues as China’s economic development prospect, market opening up, China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, bilateral cooperation priorities, green economy, and the multilateral trading system.
