Talking about New Opportunities in China's Economy | Overview: Some German Business Leaders Oppose "Decoupling and Breaking the Chain" with China | Germany | Overview
Frankfurt, August 21 (Xinhua) -- Summary: Some business people in Germany oppose "decoupling and disconnection" from China
Xinhua News Agency reporter
Several representatives of German chambers of commerce and enterprises recently stated in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that economic and trade cooperation is a key foundation for the development and prosperity of Germany and China. It is not feasible to "remove risks" or "decouple and break the chain" against China, and they hope that both sides can deepen cooperation and maintain dialogue and communication.
Bai Xike, Secretary General of the German China Economic Union, said that China has become Germany's largest trading partner for seven consecutive years, with over 5000 German companies developing in China and over 2000 Chinese companies developing in Germany. "These data indicate how closely the relationship between China and Germany is.".
Bai Xike stated that the German China Economic Federation, established in 1987, is committed to promoting bilateral economic and trade cooperation between Germany and China. The federation currently has more than 350 member enterprises from Germany and China, with German small and medium-sized enterprises accounting for about 90%. In addition, there are German multinational enterprises such as SAP and Bayer, as well as Chinese enterprises such as Huawei, ZTE, and Weichai Power.
"We always support fair free trade and trade openness," Bai Xike said. "Reaching more trade agreements, ensuring market openness, and free exchange of goods are crucial for the economic development of all countries. It should be clear to all parties that there should be no 'decoupling'."
"I believe that without China, we would not be able to address many issues, such as the enormous challenges of environmental and climate crises," said Bai Xike.
Du Xinting, Director of the Sino German Economic Cooperation Center at the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce in Germany, stated that in the Frankfurt Rhine Main region of Germany, which is known as one of the most important international business centers in Europe, there are over 800 Chinese enterprises active, and the local Chinese community is steadily expanding.
Du Xinting said that the political demand for "risk reduction" has led to widespread uncertainty in the business community, and recent policies such as export or investment restrictions in some countries have exacerbated this uncertainty. "The business community needs professional knowledge to balance risks and opportunities and promote long-term cooperation."
Melanie Vogelbach, an international economic policy and foreign trade law expert at the German Chamber of Commerce, recently stated that the measures taken by the United States to restrict investment in China have attracted attention from German companies, and the so-called "overseas investment screening" may lead to excessive regulation. She believes that the goal of Europe's foreign trade strategy should be to accelerate the opening up of global markets and investment destinations, rather than government led foreign trade.
CEO of the German steel company Wells Group, Bo Denbo, pointed out that business decisions should be kept at a distance from political issues. "I don't understand what politicians mean when they talk about 'risk reduction', and many people who talk about China have never even been to China."
Bo Dengbo said, "China is currently one of the largest producers and consumers of the global steel industry. When it comes to manufacturing, whether in the automotive or other industries, China is and will continue to be an important global market. Of course, we need to focus on China... why stay away from the Chinese market?"
