Doing Business in China

Overall views of European companies doing business in China European Business in China Position Paper 2009/2010 download

The Position Paper is published annually and represents the overall views of European companies doing business in China.

It details the key concerns and recommendations of each of the 28 Working Groups and 6 Forums in regard to WTO implementation issues, trade issues and broader policy-related issues. The Position Paper is presented to the Chinese government and EU authorities each year with the aim of improving the investment climate in China.

INTRODUCTION
European Business views the Chinese market as more important than ever but calls for an end to the industrialpolicy interventions and foreign investment restrictions that threaten to stifle a new generation of reforms.

Since the publication of the European Chamber’s last Position Paper, China has taken a number of positive steps to improve the market environment for foreign companies.

Nevertheless, as reflected by the fact that this year’s Position Paper is bigger than last year’s, many issues remain unresolved and European businesses have encountered new problems as operating conditions in the Chinese market have become increasingly challenging.

Though the issues faced by specific industries become more complex, the overarching theme of this year’s Paper remains clear and simple: European businesses firmly believe that China can – and should – continue the process of opening up its markets and creating a free and fair environment for all businesses operating here.

The members of the European Chamber remain confident in the Chinese market and optimistic about their business prospects here, despite the impact of the economic crisis.

However, right across industries, European businesses are still impeded by issues concerning market access, legal and political transparency and the protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). The spectre of protectionism has also appeared, and European companies are increasingly concerned by the tendency for local companies to be favoured over foreign-invested ones.

These issues, and the many others highlighted in the following chapters, are hindering free competition and, as such, are preventing the Chinese economy from moving towards a new level of sustained – and sustainable – economic growth.

At a time when governments everywhere are seeking solutions to the financial crisis by restructuring their economies, China has a prime opportunity to put in place the measures needed to create a fair and equitable market environment that can maintain in the decades ahead the impressive economic growth of recent years.

The European Business in China Position Paper 2009/2010 offers China’s policy-makers a multitude of recommendations on how to make the shift from an investment- and export-oriented economy to a more balanced economic structure based on growing domestic consumption.

Reflecting the growing complexity and dynamism of the Chinese market, this year’s Position Paper includes a number of changes and new additions. For the first time, we include a chapter dedicated to the Financial Services Industry, which it is hoped will contribute to a constructive dialogue on a unified approach towards financial services.

This year’s edition also features eight “Local Focus Papers”, highlighting the recent developments and specific issues faced by European companies around China. They also illustrate how the European Chamber is active in eight cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Nanjing, Pearl River Delta (Guangzhou and Shenzhen), Shanghai, Shenyang and Tianjin.

China’s three decades of opening up and reform have brought unparalleled growth and success to this country. The European Chamber believes that, by creating a level playing field for all businesses operating in this market, China can continue this remarkable trend and bring its economy to the next level of development. ...

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http://www.europeanchamber.com.cn/view/static/?sid=5622