Civil Society Dialogue on the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI)

On 30 December 2020, the EU and China concluded in principle the negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), seven (7) years and thirty-five (35) rounds since their launch. The Agreement is an important element of our multifaceted approach towards China, as set out in the Joint Communication 'EU-China – A strategic outlook', which aims at ensuring that our relations are set on a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial course.

In this regard, the Agreement is key in the EU’s efforts to increase the openness of the Chinese market and to establish a more transparent and predicable investment environment for European companies in China. In the CAI, China has committed to a greater level of market access for EU investors than ever before and has made commitments to ensure better competition conditions for EU investors through disciplines on state owned enterprises, transparency of subsidies and rules against the forced transfer of technology.

Importantly, through the CAI, the EU has pursued its core values and sustainability objectives. China has agreed for the first time to ambitious provisions on sustainable development, including commitments on forced labour and the ratification of the relevant ILO fundamental Conventions.

Both sides are now working towards finalising the text of the agreement, which will need to be legally reviewed and translated before it can be submitted for approval by the EU Council and the European Parliament.

Speakers

Lead speaker

Ms Maria Martin-Prat, Director, Directorate-General for Trade (DG Trade) Chief Negotiator for CAI

Moderator

Head of Unit - Transparency, Civil Society and Communication, DG Trade

Agenda

1. Presentation of the outcome of the EU-China investment negotiations and next steps.
2. Open discussion with stakeholders.

The meeting will take place via WEBEX. Access code and password will be sent to registered participants. We would be grateful if participants could launch their WEBEX connection 30 minutes in advance of the meeting so that any technical problems can be arranged in time before the meeting.