Minister Zhong Shan held a phone call with EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz WojciechowskiMOFCOM
2020-09-27 15:11
Minister Zhong Shan and EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski held a phone call on the afternoon of 25 September, exchanging views on China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement.
Minister Zhong Shan noted that in the virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and Chancellor Merkel, President Michel, and President Von der Leyen, an important outcome is the signing of China-EU Geographical Indications Agreement. It is the first major economic agreement between China and the EU in recent years, turbocharged by the political support from leaders from both sides. Signing the agreement serves interests of both sides and helps to expand agricultural trade between China and the EU, and signals a milestone in bilateral commercial ties. In the next step, the two teams must proceed with internal procedures rapidly so that the agreement benefits the two industries and consumers at an early date.
Minister Zhong Shan said that China and the EU have made collective COVID-19 response this year in the spirit of solidarity and mutual assistance. China is ready to step up cooperation with the EU in the fight against COVID-19, upgrade trade and investment cooperation, and keep China-EU trade and economic relations on a steady track for long-term development.
Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski noted that the GI agreement is a reflection of the positive and constructive cooperation between the two sides. The EU is ready to complete the internal procedures as soon as possible and bring the agreement into effect at an early date. The EU places high importance on commercial ties with China, and appreciates the robust support from China at the height of the fight against COVID-19. It is willing to enhance cooperation with China in various fields, including commerce and agriculture.