Economic security concerns 'should not obstruct productive relationship'

European companies have profited from China's initiatives aimed at enhancing foreign investment, a prominent European expert has said.

Jens Eskelund, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, said that economic security concerns should not be obstacles to win-win cooperation between the European Union and China.

"The trade relations between China and the European Union are becoming important ... but we must accept that both sides have reasonable economic security concerns," Eskelund said. "We should not let these concerns obstruct the otherwise productive relationship."

He made the remarks at a conference organized by the General Office of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or CPPCC, on Friday, which brought together representatives from multinational corporations and international business associations in China.

Eskelund said European countries have taken encouragement from two guidelines issued by the State Council last month and in August last year that each include 24 measures aimed at optimizing foreign investment.

He mentioned that measures including reducing the negative list, easing data regulations, and increasing international airlines are effective in boosting foreign investment while offering attractive employment conditions for foreign talents to come to China.

However, he said: "There are concerns in Europe about the growing imbalance in trade and the fact that many European companies at least be priced out of home in Europe."

He said there should be no such fear in the process of international business cooperation, and such thoughts should not hinder the deepening of cooperation, because the Ministry of Commerce had explained that China's self-reliance will also be good for foreign companies.

"I think there's no doubt that China has emerged as a leader within green technologies," he said. "China would be an indispensable part of ensuring that the world will develop and hopefully try to minimize the risk of man-made climate change. We remain convinced that there is a very large future potential for creating value between the European Union and China."