On the evening of November 3, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao in preparation for the seventh CIIE in Shanghai met with Sophie Primas, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad who is invited to the CIIE. They had in-depth exchanges of views on China-French economic and trade cooperation and recent China-EU trade frictions.

Wang Wentao noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and France has once again served as the guest country of honor at the CIIE. France has more than 100 businesses participating in the CIIE, the most among EU member states. This fully demonstrates that French businesses place great importance on the Chinese market.

Wang Wentao stated that China has always adhered to the important consensus reached by the leaders of China and France and by the leaders of China, France, and Europe in May this year. On the basis of fully respecting facts and complying with WTO rules, China has been working on addressing China-EU trade frictions properly through dialogue and consultation. The EU's anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles has seriously impeded cooperation in the automotive industry between China and the EU, which is a major concern for both sides. The technical teams from China and the EU are currently conducting the second phase of consultations. Although trade policy issues fall under the mandate of the European Commission, France as an important EU member state should play an active role, promoting the European Commission to demonstrate sincerity, meet China halfway, and reach a solution acceptable to both sides' industries as soon as possible.

Wang Wentao emphasized that, unlike the EU's initiation of anti-subsidy investigations with no application from industries, China initiated three trade remedy investigations into brandy, pork, and dairy products upon domestic industry applications legally, fully complying with WTO rules and Chinese laws and regulations. China will continue to conduct investigations strictly according to law, ensuring the legitimate rights of businesses from EU member states including France, and making rulings based on facts and evidence. China is willing to work together with the European Commission to seek proper solutions.

Primar noted that France attaches great importance to developing economic and trade relations with China. She is delighted that France has once again become the guest country of honor at the CIIE, and that she could lead a delegation to visit China shortly after taking office as Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and French Nationals Abroad. Agri-food products are a key area in France's trade with China. France has important concerns regarding China's investigations into EU brandy and other products. France hopes that the trade tensions between the EU and China could stop escalating, and that the two sides could resolve trade differences through consultations.