China concerned with EU foreign investment screening

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Germany (CHKD) expressed concerns with Europe's stronger protocols on foreign investment screening on Thursday.

The Chamber said in a statement that European and German politicians are increasingly ignoring the opportunities offered by Chinese investments.

Many examples have already shown that building mutual trust-based partnerships with Chinese investors is the reason for the success of many mergers and acquisitions.

"It is hard to imagine that Germany and Europe, which benefit from the open market and globalization, will, in the future, prevent and restrict such helpful business relationships," the statement said.

Due to the European Commission's proposal, and existing changes on German investment law, Chinese enterprises in Germany believe that they will face more political uncertainties and a lack of transparency in the future, unnecessarily raising the risk of overseas investment, CHKD noted.

In his annual State of the Union address, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker proposed on Wednesday that Europe's stronger protocols for foreign investment screening are an important part of protecting strategic interests.

The change of relevant laws and rules will probably affect the current and future investment plans of Chinese companies, but will also harm the economy and investment environment of Germany and Europe, according to the statement.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)