On 5 March, Ambassador Zhang Jun attends Seminar "Investment of Chinese Enterprises in Europe" co-sponsored by Clingendael and Nyenrode Business University and delivers Keynote Speech.

Ambassador Zhang says Chinese enterprises' overseas investment, including investment in Europe is consistent with the momentum of China's development and the trend of globalization. It not only meets the needs of Chinese enterprises, but also is helpful for the long term sustainable development of world economy. As an inseparable part of China's opening up policy, the Chinese government supports overseas investment of Chinese enterprises. At the same time, the government also requests all Chinese enterprises to operate in accordance with the policy of "mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit, mutual complement and win-win" and contribute to the economic and social development of the local society and the common development of the world as well.

Ambassador Zhang says overseas investment of Chinese enterprises, including investment in Europe, faces not only excellent opportunities, but also pressures and challenges both from inside and outside. From inside, even though some Chinese enterprises grow stronger and stronger nowadays and are becoming more competitive, compared with developed countries, they are still at a preliminary stage of development, faced with difficulties such as lack of experience of transnational actions and overseas management, abilities in risk evaluation and adapting to local customs. From outside, some countries feel uneasy about China's overseas investment and lack a comprehensive understanding about China's policy towards overseas investment. For the purpose of protecting national economic and security interest, some governments are taking restrictive measures against China's overseas investment. Some countries have resorted back to trade and investment protectionism in fighting against the crisis or even regard Chinese enterprises' investment as a threat. All these have created political impediments for overseas investment of Chinese enterprises.

Ambassador Zhang stresses that with the development of China-EU relations, exchanges and cooperation in the field of economy and trade have been further enhanced and more and more Chinese enterprises are turning their eyes to Europe. However, there is still a big imbalance between Europe's investment in China and China's investment in Europe. Investment of Chinese enterprises in Europe is still at an early stage. China's investment in Europe only accounts for a small percentage of China's total overseas investment. Both sides should spare no effort in deepening and broadening cooperation. Efforts should also be made to strengthen communications and enhance mutual understanding so as to create favorable conditions and friendly political atmosphere for China's investment in Europe. There is no doubt that with joint efforts, investment of Chinese enterprises in Europe will be further promoted and China-EU economic and trade cooperation obtain more fruitful outcome.