On 3 November, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) was asked by the media to comment on the European Commission's approval of JD.com's acquisition of Germany's Ceconomy Group. The Chamber's response is as follows:

The CCCEU welcomes the European Commission's approval of JD.com's acquisition of Germany's Ceconomy Group under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR).

This marks the first case in which an acquisition by a Chinese company has been approved by the European Commission following an in-depth investigation under the FSR. The decision, reached after extensive engagement with both parties and a comprehensive assessment of the proposed commitments, underscores the importance of constructive dialogue between regulators and businesses in addressing regulatory concerns.

The transaction is expected to bring fresh investment, digital expertise, logistics capabilities and supply chain resources to Europe's retail sector, supporting local business development and innovation while creating new opportunities for commercial cooperation between Chinese and European companies.

The FSR and its implementation remain a key concern for Chinese companies investing in Europe. The CCCEU expects the EU to uphold the principles of objectivity, fairness, transparency and proportionality in enforcing and implementing the Regulation. Regulatory measures should be tailored to the circumstances of each case, with due regard for businesses' legitimate rights and interests, and should not create unnecessary barriers to legitimate commercial investment or market cooperation.

The CCCEU also encourages the EU to improve regulatory transparency and policy predictability, helping to ensure a fair, non-discriminatory, stable and predictable business environment for investors from all countries, including China. This would help strengthen Chinese companies' confidence in investing and growing their businesses in Europe, while supporting the healthy, stable and sustainable development of China–EU economic and trade relations.