China, Germany vow to push for open world economy

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and German Chancellor Angela Merkel attend a joint press conference in Berlin, Germany, March 28, 2014. [Photo: Xinhua]

China and Germany on Friday affirmed their shared commitment to building an open world economy and promoting global trade and investment liberalization.  [Special coverage]

The two sides underscored their stand in a joint statement issued during Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Germany, which proclaimed the establishment of the China-Germany comprehensive strategic partnership.

In the document, China and Germany said they are opposed to trade and investment protectionism and, as both are major exporters, intent on cultivating a fair competition order in the international market.

The two sides also emphasized their support for the World Trade Organization (WTO), agreeing that it provides a stable legal framework for global free trade.

Meanwhile, the two countries will continue to help push forward the Doha round of global trade talks and carry out dialogues on export credit under the framework of international working groups, according to the joint statement.

China and Germany, said the statement, will also further broaden their comprehensive economic ties in line with the spirit of equity and reciprocity.

Moreover, the two countries pledged to provide fairer treatment, especially in government tendering, for their enterprises investing in each other's market.

The two sides agreed that fair market access and protection of intellectual property rights are significant to fostering sustainable and healthy economic development and invigorating the growth of enterprises.

China and Germany are also committed to addressing trade disputes over anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures through dialogues and supporting strict compliance with WTO rules and multilateral trade mechanisms that are open, fair and transparent, said the statement.

To ensure further development of bilateral trade, the two countries also vowed to deepen cooperation in such areas as product quality and safety, certification and accreditation, as well as standardization.