Brussels, 12/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - The EU-China Round Table met in Xi'an on 9-12 May to discuss issues related to inclusive regional development and the green economy in the context of sustainable development. The Round Table noted that, with greening the economy, social protection, skill-training for workers and more international development assistance were needed.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) delegation led by President Staffan Nilsson met Wang Gang, Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (BPPCC) and President of the Chinese Economic and Social Council (CESC). Nilsson called for “an open and frank dialogue and exchange of views on challenging economic and social issues; for mutual understanding; and more enhanced cooperation” with the Chinese counterparts. Wang Gang spoke about China's reform and the modernisation drive which has taken millions of Chinese out of poverty.
The dialogue between members of the EESC and the CESC which takes place at the EU-China Round Table is an integral part of the EU-China strategic partnership. It provides an opportunity for EU civil society representatives and their Chinese counterparts to engage in consultations, dialogue and research on economic and social issues of common interest, as well as issues related to human rights and the rule of law, the EESC says in a press release. A joint statement addressed to the China-EU summit summarises the outcomes of this 9th Civil Society Round Table and will be soon available on the EESC website: http://www.eesc.europa.eu (G.B./transl.rt)