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EU is China's long-term strategic partner: minister

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-28 14:43

Visiting Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming said in London on Friday afternoon that the European Union (EU) is China's long-term strategic partner.

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He made the remarks at a joint press conference in London with Peter Mandelson, British Secretary for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.

"Relations with the EU is the most important one amongst China' s foreign trade and economic ties, which has seen the largest investment volume as well as technology output to China," said Chen, who is leading an over-150-member delegation of Chinese government officials and business people for a European procurement trip which has already taken them to Germany, Switzerland and Spain.

With a total value of $15 billion in deals and contracts accomplished in the four countries, the trip is widely regarded as a move to show China's commitment to stave off protectionism as the world economy is plunged into deeper recession.

It is also intended to present China as a responsible and accountable nation as promised during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's recent "trip of confidence" to Europe.

"The trip of commitment demonstrates China's determination to open its market and oppose trade protectionism. The procurement will help countries tide over the current difficulty and push world economy onto the road of recovery," said Chen.

According to the minister, governments of Germany, Switzerland, Spain and Britain have paid great attention to the Chinese procurement delegation, while businesses and enterprises from these countries also expressed much interest.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown sent his message to the minister on Friday morning, reiterating his position against trade protectionism.

Chen noted that confidence which comes from collaboration and hope is very important to overcoming the financial crisis. "China and Britain's economies are highly complementary. With the governments laying out the platform, businesses and enterprises are bound to have their confidence boosted for further cooperation, " he added.

A British business delegation led by Mandelson are scheduled to visit China at the end of April. "We are looking forward to their visit," said the Chinese minister.