16/02/2006
CIAA position on enhanced bilateral trade and economic relations between the EU and China


Trade in food and drink products between the People’s Republic of China and the EU has experienced high growth in the last years. Trade of food and drink products between China and the EU has experienced high growth in the last few years. The EU is becoming the most important trading partner for China and is one of the fastest growing food and drink export markets. In 2005, EU food and drink exports to China totalled €764 million, while Chinese food and drink imports to the EU stood at €2.155 billion.

CIAA, the confederation of food and drink industries of the EU and its members, value the European Commission’s extended debate on a new strategy for trade relations with China, focussing - in cooperation with EU Member States – on the negotiation of a new agreement replacing the outdated 1985 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. In order to build a stronger global relationship, CIAA supports the inclusion of several priorities of action as outlined in the communication in the new Partnership and Cooperation agreement.

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