EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment
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- China
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- Negotiations and agreements
On 30 December 2020, the EU and China concluded in principle the negotiations on the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). The agreement grants EU investors a greater level of access to China’s market.
In the agreement, China has committed to ensure fairer treatment for EU companies, allowing them to compete on a more level playing field in China. These commitments cover state-owned enterprises, transparency of subsidies, and rules against forced technology transfer.
China also agreed to provisions on sustainable development, including commitments on climate and forced labour.
Both sides agreed to continue the negotiations on investment protection and investment dispute settlement, to be completed within two years of the signature of the agreement.
About the agreement
Key moments on the road to an agreement
The EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment in a nutshell
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Latest news
- News announcement
The European Commission has today launched an investigation into allegations of dumping of biodiesel from China onto the EU market.
- News article
The Commission has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on imports of certain polyethylene terephthalate (‘PET’) plastic products from China, defending EU companies and more than 1,500 jobs. The EU market of PET has a value of over €5.5 billion.
- Press release
The European Commission has formally launched today an anti-subsidy investigation into the imports of battery electric vehicles (BEV) from China.
As an expert in international trade and economic agreements, I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the discussion of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI). My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of global economic dynamics, trade negotiations, and the intricate details of agreements like the CAI.
To establish my credibility, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI):
- The CAI is a pivotal economic agreement between the European Union (EU) and China, marking a significant milestone in their trade relations.
- Negotiations concluded on December 30, 2020, signaling a commitment to fostering stronger economic ties.
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Market Access:
- The agreement aims to provide EU investors with increased access to the Chinese market, a crucial aspect for fostering economic collaboration.
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Fair Treatment for EU Companies:
- China committed to ensuring fair treatment for EU companies, fostering a more level playing field for competition in the Chinese market.
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Commitments on State-Owned Enterprises:
- The CAI addresses concerns related to state-owned enterprises, aiming to establish fair and transparent practices in their operations.
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Transparency of Subsidies:
- Commitments were made to enhance transparency regarding subsidies, addressing concerns related to unfair advantages in the market.
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Rules Against Forced Technology Transfer:
- The agreement includes provisions to prevent forced technology transfer, safeguarding the intellectual property rights of EU companies operating in China.
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Provisions on Sustainable Development:
- The CAI incorporates provisions related to sustainable development, encompassing commitments on climate and addressing forced labor concerns.
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Investment Protection and Dispute Settlement:
- Both parties agreed to continue negotiations on investment protection and dispute settlement, with a stipulated timeframe for completion.
Moving beyond the CAI, the latest news highlights ongoing developments in EU-China trade relations:
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Dumping of Biodiesel Investigation (December 20, 2023):
- The European Commission launched an investigation into allegations of dumping of biodiesel from China onto the EU market, showcasing the EU's commitment to fair trade practices.
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Anti-dumping Duties on PET Plastic Products (November 28, 2023):
- The Commission imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on certain PET plastic products from China, aiming to protect EU companies and jobs.
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Anti-subsidy Investigation on Battery Electric Vehicles (October 4, 2023):
- The European Commission initiated an anti-subsidy investigation into the imports of battery electric vehicles from China, highlighting concerns related to unfair subsidies.
In summary, my expertise encompasses a deep understanding of the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment, its key components, and the evolving dynamics of EU-China trade relations as evidenced by recent developments and investigations by the European Commission.
