On July 23, the EU-China Chamber of Commerce held a closed-door video seminar in the framework of its "China-Europe Business Dialogue" series, inviting experts and representatives from the CCCEU members to discuss the core content of the EU Commission's White Paper on foreign subsidy and the potential impact on the activities of Chinese business active in the EU. The seminar is an important part of the CCCEU's participation in the European Commission's public consultation on this White Paper. The results of the meeting will be included in the submission the CCCEU will make on behalf of its members.

On June 17, the European Commission issued a White Paper on foreign subsidies oriented towards the pursuit of fair competition, in order to prepare future legislation in this field. Zhou Lihong, CCCEU Chairperson and Chairman of Bank of China (Luxembourg) Co., Ltd., delivered the opening speech at the seminar. Shada Islam, international affairs commentator and director of the Brussels-based New Horizons project, chaired and moderated the seminar.

The high-level speakers of this edition were: Bai Yong, partner of the Antitrust Practice Group of Clifford Chance; Susan Ning, partner and director of the Compliance Department of King & Wood Mallesons; Dr. Zhang Haiyan, professor at NEOMA Business School in France; Isbrand Ho, General Manager of BYD Europe; Bao Yongqing, senior lawyer in international trade law at Steptoe & Johnson law firm; and Wang Zhisheng, European executive partner of China Soft Capital and Vice President of the EU-China Chamber of Commerce. These speakers shared their views and discussed the topics of the seminar.

"The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU and its members are very concerned about the White Paper issued by the European Commission and about the possible subsequent legislative procedures. We will actively participate in the European Commission's public consultation process to reflect the demands of the Chamber and its members," said Zhou Lihong, CCCEU Chairman.

"We also look forward to future EU legislative activities promoting the facilitation of foreign investment in the EU and the deepening of Sino-European economic and trade relations, which have the potential to push the EU economy out of recession as soon as possible and maintaining sustained vitality."