In a world where protectionism is on the rise, China and Germany are coming together to champion open trade and cooperation.
Over 200 representatives from Chinese and German government and business sectors gathered on Monday in Stuttgart, Germany, for the China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum. The message was clear: it’s time to strengthen international partnerships.
Johannes Jung, a director at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, voiced concerns about growing protectionist trends. “Companies need open markets, fair trade relations, and the confidence that their investments abroad are safe,” he said. Jung emphasized the importance of regular exchanges to foster mutual understanding and deepen cooperation.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), expressed China’s commitment to collaboration. “We are willing to join hands with German partners to tap into the potential of trade cooperation,” Ren stated. He highlighted opportunities for high-quality German products, like automobiles and agricultural machinery, to enter the Chinese market.
Tim Wenniges, deputy CEO of Entrepreneurs Baden-Wuerttemberg Association, saw the forum as a positive sign. “Cooperation is both possible and desired,” he remarked. Wenniges noted that China is one of Germany’s most important trading partners, and businesses from both nations aim to promote innovation and engage in deeper exchanges.
Wang Xiao, director of Genertec International Holding Co., Ltd., acknowledged the challenges posed by changes in the global supply chain. However, he believes that enhanced cooperation based on openness and mutual benefit is the best way forward.
China’s open approach continues to attract foreign investments. Huang Yiyang, the consul general of China in Frankfurt, encouraged more German companies to seize opportunities arising from China’s industrial transformation and technological innovation.
The upcoming China International Supply Chain Expo, set to kick off on July 16, promises to be another platform for collaboration. Lin Shunjie, chairman of China International Exhibition Center Group Limited, shared that many German companies participated in the previous expo, highlighting the interconnectedness of the global supply chain.
As protectionism threatens global trade, China and Germany’s commitment to cooperation sends a hopeful message to the world.
