Commerce Minister Wang Wentao had a meeting with Ola Källenius, who serves as both the President of the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and the Chairman of the Mercedes-Benz Group. During the meeting, the two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on a range of topics, including the cooperation between the China-EU automotive industries and the EU's economic and trade restriction measures imposed on China.
Minister Wang Wentao underscored China's unwavering commitment to further opening up its economy, fostering new quality productive forces, and creating even more opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises. He highlighted that the proper and amicable resolution of the electric vehicle case between China and the EU had sent a positive signal to the global market. At the same time, he voiced concerns over the EU's economic and trade restriction measures, which he believed could hinder the healthy development of bilateral trade relations. He expressed the hope that Mercedes-Benz and other influential companies would urge the EU to reconsider and adjust its stance.
In response, Ola Källenius stated that China's 15th Five-Year Plan presents significant opportunities for Mercedes-Benz. He reaffirmed the company's dedication to deepening its footprint in the Chinese market and expanding its investments. Furthermore, he emphasized that the European automotive industry is eager to support both sides in resolving economic and trade frictions through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.