Towards a better environment for green technologies in China

On 13 August, the 5^th meeting of the German Local Business Advisory Council (BAC) successfully took place in a digital format. Initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), the BAC is a B2G instrument under the framework of the Sino-German Energy Partnership (EP). It aims at facilitating discussions and exchange between German industry and government on market challenges and opportunities in China. The bi-annual meeting brings together council members to address emerging market developments and to identify recommendations that help improve the business environment in China’s energy and energy efficiency sectors.

The meeting was opened by BMWi and followed by the presentations of three participating German companies, pointing out the challenges and opportunities related to the economic climate and the policy framework in China from the business perspective. The following open discussion provided an overview on past activities of the EP and gave all participants the opportunity to share experiences on the Chinese market.

As response to the issues raised in the previous BAC meetings, external speakers from German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, SUMEC, a Chinese trading company as well as DZ Bank provided information on trade financing, including specific financing instruments and services that are available and applicable for German SME in China. Furthermore, a representative from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) introduced policy and specific measures related to the application of energy efficient technologies in China. He provided an update on NDRC’s green technology catalogue and the novelties around green bonds in China.

Whilst seeking for solutions for existing issues, the half-day meeting also brought forward new challenges and obstacles, especially under the COVID-19 context. The Sino-German Energy Partnership takes the challenges into consideration and continues to work on better market access and level-playing field for German companies through its political channels.

For more information and future activities surrounding the German Local Business Advisory Council, please contact Mr. Tim Nees (tim.nees(at)giz.de).

More about private sector cooperation in the framework of Sino-German Energy Partnership.