China is ready to further collaborate with the EU to protect
intellectual property rights (IPRs), Minister of Commerce
Bo Xilai said yesterday.
China has strengthened its enforcement of IPR protection laws
and launched campaigns against violations at wholesale and retail
markets, Bo said in a meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Peter
Mandelson.
"IPR claim centers are being set up across the country to help
protect the interests of foreign companies," he said, adding that
the nation is willing to strengthen cooperation with the EU in this
regard.
Mandelson welcomed China's IPR progress and said protection and
enforcement of IPRs are "probably the most important issue in
Europe's relations with China".
Landlords of Silk Street, a popular retail market in Beijing,
yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding on IPR protection
with European fashion and sportswear brands to crack down on
infringements.
According to the memorandum, if a vendor is found selling
counterfeit goods, the landlord will suspend its operation; and
terminate its lease if the offence is repeated.
On a separate topic, Bo criticized the European Commission's
anti-dumping duties on Chinese leather shoes.
He said the commission was not justified in denying market
economy status to Chinese footwear exporters; and expects fair
treatment for the final ruling.
According to European media, Mandelson said that consultations
with China on an auto tariff dispute are complete, and said: "I
think there will be a period of reflection on China's part and
further informal discussions, I hope, before we determine the next
steps."
Together with the United States, the EU filed a complaint with
the World Trade Organization, alleging that the tariffs unfairly
forced carmakers to use locally made parts in cars assembled in
China.
Mandelson called the discussions with Bo "very encouraging", but
urged China to further open its markets to Europe because he
believes it is one way to narrow the trade imbalance between the
two economies.
(China Daily June 8, 2006)
