Minister Wang Wen Tao meets with the President of the European Automobile Industry Association and Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Group, Kongsong.

On April 23, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Erik Jonnaert, President of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association and Chairman of the Daimler Group, to exchange views on cooperation in the automotive industry between China and Europe, as well as trade and investment restrictions imposed by the European Union on China. Wang Wentao pointed out that the current international trade landscape is undergoing profound restructuring, with increased instability and uncertainty, and the automotive industry is also in a period of transition. This year marks the beginning of the "14th Five-Year Plan", and China will continue to expand high-level opening up to the outside world, accelerate the development of new productive forces, and promote the high-end, intelligent, and green development of the industry. This will provide stable expectations and broad opportunities for foreign companies, including Daimler, to establish themselves in China and participate in global competition. Wang Wentao emphasized that the proper resolution of the electric vehicle case between China and the EU sends a clear signal to the world that both sides are willing and able to resolve differences through dialogue. Recently, the EU has introduced a series of trade and investment restrictions with protectionist undertones, causing substantial harm to the China-EU economic and trade relations. China has expressed serious concerns and will firmly uphold the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. It is hoped that Daimler and the European automotive industry will actively speak out and call on the EU to adjust improper clauses to create a fair, just, and non-discriminatory market environment for cooperation between Chinese and European companies. Jonnaert stated that the "14th Five-Year Plan" of China provides strategic opportunities for the development of the Daimler Group. Daimler will adhere to a long-term vision, deepen its presence in the Chinese market, continue to increase investments in China, and deepen innovation cooperation with Chinese partners in areas such as electric vehicles and smart technology, striving to achieve the goal of being "more Chinese, for the global market." The European automotive industry values cooperation with China and is willing to continue playing an active role in supporting both China and Europe in resolving economic and trade frictions through dialogue and consultation.