| CHINESE foreign traders should attach more importance to the environmental
competitiveness of their export products as the "green threshold" on the
international market is becoming higher, trade experts said. "To which extent a
product complies with environmental protection rules has become an important component of
its international appeal," said Shi Yonghai, a senior researcher from the Chinese
Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation.
He made the remarks at a seminar on environmental competitiveness held by the academy
and International Trade News in Beijing over the weekend.
The worldwide wave of environmental protection has posed harsh challenges before
Chinese exporters by fostering rigid standards for economic activities on the
international market.
A knitwear import and export company in Shanghai has suffered a loss of US$5 million
since its children's underwear products were rejected by one of its European partners
early this year.
The reason for the European decision was that the azo dyes and formaldehyde used in the
products did not conform to new and rigorous standards on imported textile products
imposed out of environmental considerations.
"If Chinese traders don't pay attention to environmental protection and ecology
when producing or purchasing goods for export, it will be impossible for China's export
sector to grow, or even to maintain its current level," said Shi.
Experts attending the seminar agreed that it is imperative for the Chinese Government
to implement a strategy for the sustainable development of the foreign trade sector.
"Besides policy control, efforts should also be made to enhance our enterprises'
sense of environmental protection," said Shi.
He urged Chinese foreign traders to improve their management mechanism including
personnel training and products promotion to enhance the environmental competitiveness of
their products.
He especially underlined the importance of complying with international environmental
management standards, such as ISO14000.
Lu Suifeng, director of the Green Food Development Office under the China National
Cereals, Oil and Food Import and Export Corp, said Chinese companies should co-operate
more with their overseas partners in the field of environmental protection.
"Although environmental protection standards have challenged Chinese exporters,
they have also brought them fresh opportunities for international co-operation in this
field," he said.
Meanwhile, experts also urged the Chinese Government to work out stricter environmental
protection standards when introducing foreign investment.
"We should say a definite 'no' to all kinds of investment projects which are
likely to harm the environment and lead to pollution," said Lu. |
