News Article
Chinese are in Brussels in new bid for solar settlement
In a statement released by EU Trade Spokesman John Clancy on the upcoming EU-China Joint Committee, an update was given on potential solar trade talks.
"I can confirm that EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will travel to Beijing this Friday for the annual EU-Joint Committee with Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng.
Furthermore, I can clarify that both sides have together agreed on the Joint Committee's agenda and that the solar panel dispute will not be discussed within the framework of this meeting.
However, I can confirm that confidential technical-level discussions have begun with a team of Chinese experts in Brussels since the start of the week in a bid to find a negotiated settlement. Of course, it is expected that EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht and Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao will discuss this issue in the margins of the Joint Committee.
It is important to underline that the EU's ambition remains to find an amicable solution as soon as possible but I should also stress that discussions have only just begun and therefore we are still at a very early stage in the negotiation process," stated EU Trade Spokesman John Clancy.
