Chinese chamber urges EU to reconsider measures on medical device sector

A Chinese commerce chamber has expressed disappointment and concern after the European Union backed a proposal to limit Chinese medical suppliers' participation in public contracts, urging the bloc to reconsider its decision.

EU governments have backed a European Commission proposal to block Chinese medical device suppliers' bidding on public contracts valued over 5 million euros (US$5.72 million) after finding EU companies were not given fair access to China's public tenders.

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU urged a reassessment of the "necessity and long-term implications of the approved restrictive measures" and said it will maintain open communication with all relevant EU stakeholders.

In a statement, the commerce chamber expressed profound disappointment and serious concern over the decision, warning that the targeted use of the International Procurement Instrument against Chinese enterprises sends a troubling signal.

The chamber stressed that the measures not only "add new complexity to China-EU economic and trade relations," but also contradict the EU's proclaimed principles of openness, fairness, and non-discrimination in market access.

(Reuters and Xinhua)