CRI听力:European Companies Optimistic about Business in China despite Slowdown

Joerg Wuttke, President of the EU Chamber of Commerce, says the slower economic growth in China is one of the leading concerns for European companies operating in China.

He says while concerns are rising, he says their survey of their members shows most companies operating in China believe there is still room for growth.

"But we don't see members are leaving. We don't see European companies are leaving China. We only see diversify their business by making new investments. And also China is too important in size and still has potential. There is no second China."

Joerg says their survey has found many European companies are now trying to re-tool their business strategies as the Chinese government attempts to change the country's economic structure to a more value-added model.

He also says there are still a number of challenges the government needs to address.

"first, the IPR problem is looming. Second is the environment problem. Scientists are mores environmentally aware people. They won't move to areas which are environmentally challenged."

Joerg says the protection of Intellectual property rights isn't only for the benefit of European companies, but also for domestic companies in China.

Liu Mingli is the director of the European economy department with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.

He says Intellectual property protection is an urgent need not only for European companies, but also for domestic companies in China.

"Intellectual property rights protection has been a long-term concern of European companies. The IPR problems is not a discrimination against European companies. It's also a critical issue for Chinese companies. Domestic companies can hardly thrive without sound IPR protection law. And China is making efforts to improve and enhance intellectual protection. "

At the same time, Liu Mingli says he believes environment protection could be a great area for growth.

"Future economic growth can be found in Environmental protection industry and renewable energies. And Europe has great advantage in this area. Europe's green industry grows much faster than ours. And they have rich experience in sustainable development. I think European companies could seek new growth points in China concerning this area."

Liu also says one of the challenge European companies are facing is stiffer competition, with Chinese companies becoming more competitive.

For CRI, I'm Guo Yan.