Head of CCPIT pays tribute to significance of 2009 conference

To mark the occasion of the fifth China EU Business Summit in Nanjing, I wish to extend, on behalf of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), sincere congratulations on the success of the event, as well as a warm welcome to all the friends and business people present on both sides.

Over the past 30 years, since the inauguration of diplomatic ties between China and the European Union (EU), the two parties have witnessed fruitful accomplishments in both trade and investment, thanks to efforts of both governments and business communities. China and the EU are now one of each other's most important trade partners.

Although the worldwide economic crisis has resulted in serious setbacks for economic development and international cooperation, the leading economies are now on the road to recovery, thanks to a coordinated global effort.