"We have confidence that such growth momentum can be sustained over the long term. We expect a double-digit increase this year, probably as high as last year."

Chen Jian, vice-minister of commerce, also a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, saying global investment by Chinese companies will grow rapidly "for quite a long time". Despite a worldwide drop in foreign direct investment since the outbreak of the global crisis, China's overseas direct investment has increased. Last year, the world's second-largest economy saw its ODI rise about 30 percent to $77.2 billion (59.1 euros).

"The EU positions itself as the 'leader' in coping with climate change, but at the same time, it exercises trade sanctions on Chinese environmentally friendly and energy-saving products that are inexpensive but good. It is apparently inconsistent and unreasonable."

Yi Xiaozhun, permanent representative of China to the WTO, who says China should look out for increased trade frictions with European countries and the United States.

"This is where China becomes hugely important, and where it is imperative to rebalance our bilateral commercial relations."

Jonathan Holslag, a research fellow of the Brussels Institute of Contemporary China Studies. He says it is clear Europe will only escape from another downturn if it can benefit more from external demand. China has become important for Europe to escape its current economic downturn, said European experts, who are urging the government to continue with policies that will help strengthen two-way investment.

(China Daily 03/08/2013 page14)