Beijing, 20th September 2023 – The European Chamber today published its European Business in China Position Paper 2023/2024 (Position Paper 2023/2024). The report highlights how contradictory messaging from authorities over the past year has European businesses wondering what kind of relationship China wants to have with them.

The decision to reopen China's borders on 8th January 2023 was a welcome surprise, and many believed that a swift economic rebound would follow. However, this rebound failed to materialise for many companies. Although official announcements aimed at improving the business environment have been released, so has a slew of national security-focused legislation, which has deepened uncertainty and raised compliance risks.

The Position Paper 2023/2024 details the challenges faced by European companies operating in China and provides more than 1,000 constructive recommendations to the Chinese Government on how they can be resolved. It serves as a blueprint for attracting and retaining foreign investment in China, while also addressing many of the structural issues that are hindering the country's pivot to sustainable, high quality economic development. By engaging with European companies to solve the issues outlined in this report, the Chinese Government could begin to restore both business confidence and the allure of the Chinese market.

"Businesses need an answer as to whether China will focus on self-reliance and on tightening regulations on basis of security concerns or whether the country intends to follow through on its market opening promises," said Jens Eskelund, president of the European Chamber. "Our members want to increase their engagement and make bigger contributions to China's development, but they now need to see concrete action being taken."