| Review of the Sino-Dutch Trade and Economic Relations in 2008 |
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| Monday,February 16,2009 Posted: 22:07 BJT(07 GMT) |
| From:荷兰 经商处 Article type:Original |
In 2008, the bilateral trade and economic relations between China and the Netherlands has kept a good pace. Due to the impact of global financial crisis, the volume of bilateral trade has decreased a lot, compared with 2007. But the mutual investment increased steadily, and the cooperation was further enlarged.
1． The high-level visits of government officials from both sides and development of political relations between China and the Netherlands built a concrete basis for the further development of bilateral trade and economic relations. In August, Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende attended the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games as invited. In October, Mr. Prime Minister paid an official visit to China. During the visit, leaders from both countries gave high appraisals to the bilateral trade, which further promoted the economic relations.
2． The JCCT mechanism was further improved. Last December, the 14th JCCT Meeting was held in Beijing. During the meeting, Mr. Gao Hucheng , Vice Minister of Ministry of Commerce of China, had in-depth and practical talks with Mr. Heemskerk, Minister of Trade of the Netherlands. Both sides spoke highly of the positive progress of the trade and economic relations, and exchanged views on major issues of common interest. The success of the JCCT Meeting strongly promoted the further development of bilateral trade and economic relations. Besides the JCCT mechanism, other talks and cooperation mechanisms were also further deepen.
3． The bilateral trade kept steady growth. Because of the international financial crisis, the trade between China and the Netherlands decreased a lot last year. But the total trade volume still hit a historical high level. According to Chinese statistics, bilateral trade volume reached 51.21 billion USD last year, with an annual growth of 10.5%. Chinese import grew by 16.3%, which was 5.3 billion, while Chinese export by 17%, 45.91 billion. The Netherlands maintains the 2nd trading partner within EU for China for the 7th year.
4． Two-way investments, especially investment from China，also achieved great progress. Last July, China Hotel Holland, which was invested 11 million by Shanghai Taiyuan Ltd. Company, became the first influential project solely invested by Chinese Company. The Euromax Container Terminal in Port of Rotterdam became operational in September, signaling a great progress, and further contributing to the Netherlands, the logistics center of the Europe. Besides, bilateral cooperation in technology, agriculture, tourism, environmental protection, construction all have a broad future.
In 2009, although the negative impacts of the global financial crisis will still remain, we believe, due to efforts from both sides, the bilateral trade and economic relations will still develop further. The bilateral trade and economic relations between China and the Netherlands will have a very broad future.
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