At China’s annual import fair, EU firms test Beijing’s promise to open up its markets

Amid ongoing trade frictions and increasing deficit with China, European firms seek openings at trade event, with noteworthy absence of Dutch chip firm ASML

Xiaofei Xuin Paris

European firms are heading to this year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, China’s biggest annual import fair, in search of new trade opportunities, with many treating the event as a test of Beijing’s promise to open up its market as frictions persist between Beijing and Brussels and the EU’s deficit with China keeps widening.

“France wants to continue deepening its trade with China, under fair competitive conditions based on reciprocity and openness, as well as on better market access,” said Louis Margueritte, director general of Business France, the state agency that promotes French exports and foreign investment in the country.

More than 120 French firms are set to take part in this year’s CIIE, a similar turnout to last year, which showed French businesses’ continued interest in the Chinese market, Margueritte said. The event is set to open on Thursday and last until Tuesday.

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