China, EU striving for agreement on textiles
By Jiang Wei and Xu Binglan (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-09-05 05:59

Yesterday's effort came ahead of the annual China-EU Summit, which is to be held today in Beijing.

The EU side has shown clear desire to solve the issue before the China-EU Summit.

Chinese Commerce Minister Bo Xilai (R) shakes hands with EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson in Beijing before holding talks on textile dispute September 4, 2005. [mofcom.gov.cn]

"It is important for the world to understand that the European Union and China are able to solve the problem in a constructive, positive way," said Jose Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission.

He made the remark during a meeting with the press yesterday as the discussion on the textile dispute was being held.

He described the problem that erupted after the June agreement as "exceptional."

Nobody predicted the problem, which created difficulties for some EU members in implementing the agreement, he said.

But he said that the issue should "once again show the world that we (China and the EU) can manage the issue by the spirit of harmony and understanding."

Barroso said the June agreement created a breathing space (for EU textile industry) by slowing the dramatic and sudden increase in the imports to Europe.

In his previous meetings with Chinese leaders, he said that Europeans should look at China's extraordinary economic growth as a real opportunity.

"But for that, we need to address and solve problems when they appear so they don't undermine the positive evolution."

It is certain that China will raise the issue of its market economy status, which EU has not fully recognized. In an interview with Xinhua, British Prime Minister Blair suggested China provide information that will allow the European Commission to reach a positive decision.

Blair will participate in the EU-China summit. Trade is only a part of many topics during the summit.

Barroso also called for attention to climate change and social affairs during bilateral discussions.

He said the two sides are seeking to raise their partnership on climate change to a higher level. Concrete actions on energy efficiency would be a key aspect of their co-operation.

Barroso said the EU is willing to share with China its experiences in issues such as employment, workers' rights and labour market development.

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