China's Top Diplomat Says 'confident' Of Investment Deal With EU
Muhammad Irfan Published October 21, 2019 | 10:08 PM
China's foreign minister said Monday that he was confident of an investment deal being clinched with the European Union, while pressing for talks "as soon as possible" on a free trade accord
In an interview with AFP in Paris, Wang Yi said the list of sectors China still refuses access to is shrinking, and the country is opening up more and more, thus "creating favourable conditions for the conclusion of a bilateral investment accord." "We are very confident about the conclusion of this agreement," with Europe, said Wang, adding negotiations were "progressing well".
"During this year's (EU-China) summit, leaders on both sides agreed that the negotiations will lead to decisive progress by the end of the year, allowing a high-quality agreement to be concluded in 2020," he said.
Wang underscored China's willingness to "launch discussions on a free trade agreement between China and the EU," calling for a feasibility study in the short term and emphasising that "China and the European Union are one another's biggest economic and commercial partners.
" China is engaged in a long-running tariff war with US President Donald Trump, which has started to take a toll on its economic growth.
Wang said "a big number" of contracts, "between 30 and 40", would be signed between China and France when President Emmanuel Macron visits from November 4 to 6.
The two countries, permanent members of the UN Security Council, "must work together to convey a joint message of support for multilateralism and a message of support for the authority of the UN in the face of rising unilateralism," Wang added.
"We must also send a message that our two countries respect the fundamental rules governing international relations and together defend justice and equity in the world."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
1 hour ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
1 hour ago -
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
2 hours ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
2 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
2 hours ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
2 hours ago
-
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
2 hours ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
3 hours ago -
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
3 hours ago -
Oman, UAE deluge 'most likely' linked to climate change: scientists
4 hours ago -
BHP launches $38.8 billion takeover bid for rival Anglo American
4 hours ago -
Saudi oil giant Aramco agrees major FIFA sponsorship deal
4 hours ago