Press Release: EU-China maritime transport agreement enters into force

The 2002 agreement on maritime transport between China and the European Community and its Member States will enter into force on 1 March 2008. To mark this occasion, a Joint Statement was issued on 28 February, 2008, and a press conference was held in Beijing involving the Chinese authorities, the Commission, Member States and industry representatives from both sides. The agreement contains provisions on market access and provides for cooperation on maritime affairs. It has become the key component of the existing strong relations in the maritime field between China and the EU.