In a rare joint op-ed article in Caixin magazine, French Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert and German Ambassador Clemens von Goetze urged China to do more to open its markets. They said “French and German companies are looking forward to China demonstrating that it will not waver and will deepen its opening-up and reform policy in order to create a level playing field for foreign businesses in China.” And, “European businesses should have the same opportunities in China as Chinese industries enjoy in Europe.”
And, China should “go beyond tariff adjustments” but address the issues through “concrete and systematic measures”. For example:
- China should enhance its reputation as an open and reliable export destination for producers, in additional to reducing import taxes.
- China should abolish joint venture requirements across all sectors to stimulate foreign direct investment
- China should ensure implementation of cybersecurity legislation follows the principle of proportionality but not lead to market access barriers or discriminatory practices
- China should replace provisions in technology import-export and joint venture regulations that restrict foreign ownership and freedom to exert IP rights
- China should continue with reform of state-owned enterprises regarding their preferential treatment they received and competitive disadvantages for private companies.
The article also pledged that “together with China, the European Union is firmly committed to a strong multilateral trading system.”
