The 14th China-Holland Joint Economic and Trade Committee Meeting held in Beijin

On December 8, 2008, Gao Hucheng, the vice minister of the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC, and Heemskerk, the foreign trade minister of Holland, jointly held and presided over the 14th China-Holland Joint Economic and Trade Committee Meeting and met with journalists after the meeting.

Gao Hucheng said the meeting was very successful. Both sides set a high value on the China-Holland economic and trade relationship, reviewed the productive China-Holland cooperation with respect to every aspect of economy and trade, and reported to each other the respective economic situation and measures to promote economic development. Both sides deeply compared notes and reached comprehensive agreements on subjects such as the Doha Rounds, the market economy status of China, the antidumping of the EU to China, the cooperation on Traditional Chinese Medicine, investment production and facilitation, the social responsibilities of enterprises, the protection of intellectual property and scientific and technological cooperation.

Gao Hucheng said that the government of Holland advocates free trade and has adopted a righteous standpoint on the issue of the market economy status of China and the antidumping cases of the EU to China. China is very appreciative and hopes that Holland keeps on maintaining this standpoint and keeps on promoting the China-Holland and China-Europe economic and trade relationships so that they can develop healthily and steadily. Holland has a convenient geographical position, perfect infrastructures, a steady legal environment and excellent manpower, and is an ideal place in which Chinese enterprises can invest and start businesses. The Chinese government supports Chinese enterprises wanting to invest in Holland and carry on cooperation with the country, and also hopes that the Dutch government continues providing support and conveniences to them.

Gao Hucheng pointed out that China and Holland are both actively coping with the challenges brought on by the global financial crisis. The Ministry of Commerce of the PRC is willing to closely communicate with the Ministry of Economic Affairs of Holland, so as to enhance cooperation, create more opportunities of trade and investment, accelerate the facilitation of trade and investment, tighten the economic relationship between China and Holland and assist the enterprises of both countries to overcome difficulties together.

Heemskerk said the Dutch government attaches great importance to the economic and trade cooperation between Holland and China and this Joint Economic and Trade Committee Meeting was a great success. Holland is China's second largest trade and investment partner in all the member States of the EU, and over 100 Chinese enterprises have found their development opportunities in Holland. Both sides should enhance cooperation, and especially prevent the appearance of trade protectionism with the financial crisis as a backdrop.