‘Disappointed’ EU businesses urge prompt reform and opening of market in China
Chamber expresses unhappiness at delay of reforms promised in late 2013
The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China has urged Beijing not to delay to deliver on promises it made years ago to create a level playing field for European businesses when their Chinese rivals have few limits on their investment in EU markets.
The business lobby group expressed, once again, its disappointment about stalled reforms that were announced in November 2012, in the European Business in China Position Paper for 2016/2017, an annual report of 400 pages which gives a detailed review of 25 sectors where EU business has a presence.
It is not the first time foreign business associations have criticised the slower-than-expected process of reforming unproductive state firms and widening market access, or voiced concern about an increasingly hostile business environment and rising protectionism alongside sluggish growth in China.
“Unfortunately, the reform agenda still often appears to be confused, uncoordinated and subject to intense resistance from special interest groups and local governments,” the report said.
It surmised the situation could be explained by the Beijing’s current focus on non-economic factors.