Brussels, 24/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Chinese export restrictions on raw materials (see other article), exceptional measures to mobilise the state to support several export sectors (steel, cars, ICT, textiles, non-ferrous metals, industrial and machine equipment, electronics and petrochemicals) through interest-free loans, tax breaks and national preference clauses in public procurement - China is showing preferential treatment to its industry ever more explicitly to the detriment of foreign competitors. Beijing recently called on the country's local authorities to give priority to national companies in the massive implementation of the Chinese recovery plan. Foreign suppliers should not be used unless it is impossible to find a Chinese equivalent. Last week we saw the Chinese recovery plan aiming at the European Commission (EUROPE 9925). In an interview with the German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on 23 June, the German minister of the economy, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg expressed his “serious concern” at protectionist tendencies in China. (E.H./transl.rh)