Hand in hand to safeguard free global economy

China and European countries are natural partners. They are even more so in a world of growing uncertainties. They firmly believe that free trade is a powerful engine for global economic growth, while unilateralism and trade protectionism could trigger volatility and recession in the global economy. Over the past 40 years since China adopted the reform and opening-up policy, it has done its fair share of promoting economic openness and free trade, and has made great contributions to the world. It has promised to do more. Only days ahead of Premier Li Keqiang's visit, China introduced huge new tariff cuts covering consumer goods and automobiles to help increase imports.

That is part of Beijing's proposed measures made at the Boao Forum for Asia in April to pursue further opening-up, including significantly increasing market access, creating a more attractive investment environment, strengthening protection of intellectual property rights and expanding imports.

Germany is home to many of the world's car manufacturing giants. For these businesses, China's latest moves mean more direct market opportunities.

While China further opens its doors as it has promised, China and European countries can further tap their great potential for cooperation in areas including high-tech, innovation, agriculture, finance, digital economy, e-commerce and climate change.

Xinhua

(China Daily 07/10/2018 page6)