On September 14, 2020, Zhong Shan, then Minister of Commerce of China, formally signed the China EU agreement on geographical indications with Ge Ze (right), then German ambassador to China, and Yu Bai (middle), then EU ambassador to China. (source: CCTV)
Since the signing and formal entry into force of the agreement, the first batch of 100 geographical indication products in China and Europe have been protected in each other's market. China's famous and special products such as Anji white tea, Panjin rice and Anqiu ginger are more popular in Europe. Certified Irish whisky, Munich beer and Italian smoked ham also give Chinese consumers more opportunities to appreciate the unique charm of European authentic food culture.
Geographical indication is a sign used on products with specific geographical sources and certain quality or reputation due to such sources. As the first comprehensive and high-level similar agreement signed by China for foreign trade, the agreement not only demonstrates China's determination to promote a higher level of opening to the outside world, but also reflects the Chinese people's respect and love for European civilization and tradition.
In the past year, the trade of agricultural products between the two sides has maintained a rapid growth momentum under the epidemic, and the trade volume is expected to exceed US $30 billion, with a year-on-year growth rate of more than 16%. The signing and implementation of the agreement has played an important role in promoting it.
Behind the sharp rise in the volume of agricultural trade is a true portrayal of the vigorous development of China EU economic and trade relations. According to the data recently released by the Eurostat, in the first half of this year, the EU exported 112.6 billion euros to China, an increase of 20.2% year-on-year; Imports from China amounted to 210.1 billion euros, a year-on-year increase of 15.5%. China continues to maintain its position as the EU's largest trading partner.
Enterprises have the most say in the prospects of China EU economic and trade cooperation. In fact, European investors continue to favor the Chinese market. According to the 2021 business confidence survey report of the European Chamber of Commerce in China, thanks to the rapid recovery of the Chinese market after the epidemic is controlled, enterprises have also successfully returned to work and production, and 42% of the surveyed European enterprises have still achieved a certain degree of income growth in 2020. At present, more than a quarter of EU manufacturing enterprises are moving their supply chains to China. The Chinese market has become an important pillar of the global business of many EU multinational enterprises.
European people's understanding of China is also undergoing positive changes. Not long ago, a joint poll report released by the German Marshall foundation and the Bertelsmann foundation, two well-known think tanks of virtue, showed that nearly 20% of the people in nine European countries thought China had the most global influence, and 37%, 36% and 35% of the people in Spain, Italy and Poland rated China positively, respectively. Facing the world pattern in the post epidemic era, the French scholar David baveres said bluntly in his book China and Europe: a great turning point that Europe and China have never needed each other so much. As long as we strengthen dialogue and communication, Europe and China can fully complement each other's strengths.
China and the EU are two major forces, two markets and two civilizations in the world. Practical cooperation between the two sides is not an option, but a necessary option. Despite differences on some specific issues, the overall situation of China EU practical cooperation has not been fundamentally impacted. People of insight from all walks of life in Europe see this very clearly. "Decoupling from China's economy is completely against our wishes and our own interests. Europe and China should develop strong and sincere relations, which is in the interests of both sides. The EU is willing to strengthen cooperation with China on climate change and biodiversity protection," said Borrell, EU high representative for foreign and security policy
The agreement provides more options for the people of central Europe to pursue a better life. It is hoped that Europe will firmly grasp the main tone of mutual benefit and win-win results, actively embrace new opportunities for bilateral cooperation, and add more benefits to the people of China and Europe, as well as to the world shrouded in haze.
Source: Economic Daily
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