China, Spain Vow Fair Business Environment Wang Yi Announcement

20 Feb, 2024

China, Spain Vow Fair Business Environment Wang Yi Announcement

China and Spain have forged an agreement aimed at fostering a "fair, just, and non-discriminatory" business atmosphere, as stated by China's top diplomat, Wang Yi. This development comes amidst increasing European concerns regarding the need to mitigate risks associated with engagements with Beijing.

During a joint press conference alongside Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares in Cordoba, Wang disclosed China's decision to revoke a 24-year-long prohibition on beef imports from Spain. This decision, he emphasized, holds significant benefits, particularly for Spanish farmers.

The ban on beef imports from the European Union was initially imposed in 2000 following the discovery of cases of mad cow disease in several EU member states.

Albares hailed the lifting of the ban as "extraordinarily positive," noting its broad-reaching positive impact on the agricultural sector. He emphasized the unparalleled opportunities the Chinese market presents.

Wang's visit to Cordoba followed his attendance at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. He highlighted China's openness to an expanded array of high-quality Spanish products.

Moreover, both nations pledged to broaden cooperation into new sectors such as electric vehicles, green energy, and the digital economy. This collaboration aims to facilitate mutual economic transformations and upgrades, ensuring equitable conditions for enterprises from both countries.

Additionally, efforts to enhance cultural and people-to-people exchanges were underscored, with China agreeing to send a pair of pandas to Spain upon the return of the five currently residing in Madrid to China.