The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) came up with five policy recommendations to further strengthen the bilateral relations between China and European Union (EU) with the two sides forging closer communication amid the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic. The policy toolkit is part of the Brussels-based Chamber's Briefing titled "The COVID-19 Outbreak & Sino-EU Partnership: Assessment, Implications and Recommendations". 

In the document, released on February 21, the CCCEU advocates that the helping approach from the EU should be sustained further on, and that EU leaders should continue making efforts to coordinate with China on the control of the epidemic, without any hindrance to the country's economic development. 

The CCCEU also requested China and the EU to prioritize cooperation on health and food safety in their agenda. During his recent tour in Germany, China's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, identified six priorities for bilateral partnership: concluding the bilateral Comprehensive Investment Agreement, launching a feasibility study on a free trade deal, establishing a five-year plan for EU-China cooperation, ensuring synergy between the Belt-Road Initiative and the Eurasia connectivity strategy, establishing a China-EU green partnership, and fostering cooperation in the digital sector. 

"In light of our analysis of the Covid-19 outbreak, the CCCEU insists that cooperation on health and food safety should be added to the list and become the seventh priority," urged the CCCEU in the document. Other three recommendations include acting together to achieve global cooperation, sharing common responsibilities of public diplomacy and building trust, and turning 2020 into a fresh start for a decade of common prosperity.

In this outcome Briefing, the CCCEU presented them in two parts, which consist of an observation and assessment package, and policy recommendation toolkit. 

"As the COVID-19 outbreak is hopefully a short-term issue, it will not impact on the long-term commitment of Chinese enterprises for Europe and it will not impact the relationship they have built in Europe," said Zhou Lihong, chairperson of CCCEU. "In these troubled times, safeguarding the interdependence between China and the EU is key for the future of their economic interaction: no epidemic emergency should have long-lasting effects of a strategic partnership which was forged over decades."

For more information, please contact Mr. Paolo Recaldini, communication officer, at paolo.recaldini@ccceu.eu.