Press Release: EU and China start high-level economic and trade talks

The European Commission and the Chinese government launched their new High Level Economic and Trade Dialogue Mechanism (HLM) in Beijing on 25 April, 2008. The meeting was chaired by Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan and EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson. A further seven EU Commissioners and a total of 10 Chinese ministers participated. The two sides agreed on an ambitious and far-reaching remit for the dialogue and began focused discussions. The new mechanism stresses sustainability and interdependence.

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