Press Release: Historical steps ahead for an EU-China agreement in maritime transport

The EU and China delegations reached an agreement on 13 December 2001 on maritime transport, based on the principles of freedom to provide services, free access to cargoes, and cross-trades, unrestricted access to an non-discriminatory treatment in the use of ports. It also contains provisions for auxiliary services as well as wider range of commercial maritime questions. Being the first maritime agreement concluded at European level, it will consolidate, and further promote in a legally binding framework, the participation of EU operators in international trade with China in a way which would allow for free access to cargoes and the development of a free and fair competition. The EU-China draft agreement must now be submitted to the approval of their respective authorities.