Premier Li calls for agreement on China-EU investment treaty

Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that it's in line with the common interests of China and the EU to reach a bilateral investment treaty as soon as possible.

Premier Li made the statement on Monday when meeting with the press after the 20th China-EU Leaders' Meeting he co-chaired with European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker.

Breakthroughs in the negotiation will send a positive signal that China and the EU are committed to promoting trade liberalization and investment facilitation while fighting against unilateralism and protectionism, and supporting a rule-based multilateral trading system, Premier Li said. He called on both sides to take active attitudes to make progress in the negotiation and reach consensus as early as possible, based on which free trade zone should be put on the agenda to give Chinese and European companies firm confidence.

Premier Li said China also is committed to more balanced trade relations with the EU. The Chinese government recently cut tariffs over automobiles, consumer goods and medicines while releasing a new negative list for foreign investment to lower the market access threshold. It also aims to create a business environment that is equal to domestic and foreign companies, he said.

Li also called on European companies to seize the opportunity and the EU to keep two-way opening-up to provide a fair, transparent and inviting environment for Chinese investors.