The Wednesday 4 March presentation of the draft regulation on industrial acceleration (Industrial Accelerator Act) received a mixed, sometimes downright frosty, reception from the stakeholders involved. Unsurprisingly, the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, which feels particularly targeted by the measures, harshly criticised the draft.
In a statement, it expressed its “serious concern and opposition” to certain provisions that could have “far-reaching implications for market openness, China-EU economic and trade cooperation”.
It even expressed concern that the “restrictive provisions may [...] trigger retaliatory measures” from trading partners, in what could be perceived as a threat.
The Chamber particularly regrets the act’s design, which risks evolving towards a more “protectionist” framework.
In its view, such a move could send signals of uncertainty to global investors, including Chinese companies, and “undermine the EU’s long-standing reputation as an open and rules-based market”.
Among other things, it deplores the fact that this legislation introduces targeted barriers to investment in sectors such as batteries, photovoltaics, electric vehicles and critical raw materials.
Finally, it is outraged by the fact that, as China is not included in the “trusted partner” system (available to countries that have concluded free trade agreements with the EU or are party to the Government Procurement Agreement), Chinese companies will be disadvantaged in their access to EU public procurement, “leading to an uneven competitive environment”.
To see the statement: https://aeur.eu/f/l0u (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)