CHINA SEEKS FEEDBACK FROM FOREIGN BUSINESSES AMID INVESTMENT DOWNTURN

The roundtable on Wednesday came as U.S.-China exchanges have ticked up and both sides attempt to stabilize the tense relationship between the world’s two largest economic powers

China's Ministry of Commerce convened with representatives from foreign businesses in Beijing this week in a concerted effort to address operational hurdles. However, despite the gathering occurring amidst a slight uptick in U.S.-China exchanges and both sides endeavoring to stabilize their strained relationship, substantial progress on key issues remained elusive.

The roundtable discussion, held on Wednesday, was crucial given the ongoing tensions between the United States and China, the two largest economic powers globally. While the meeting under the aegis of the Commerce Ministry did not yield significant breakthroughs concerning the 24 measures intended to support foreign businesses, participants found value in the opportunity to articulate specific challenges encountered while conducting business in China.

Jens Eskelund, the president of the EU Chamber of Commerce in China, reflected on the event, acknowledging a palpable desire within the Ministry of Commerce to implement the outlined measures. He noted that attendees were encouraged to provide concrete examples of their concerns, signaling a degree of openness from the authorities. Despite this, Eskelund highlighted the lack of clarity regarding the timeline for proposed changes to data export regulations and the absence of discussion on forced technology transfers and a new law pertaining to state secrets.