STUTTGART, Germany, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- With protectionism emerging as one of the strongest headwinds faced by the global economy, some 200 representatives from Chinese and German government and business circles have backed the idea of closer cooperation between the two nations.

The consensus among participants in the China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum, which was held here on Monday, was evident: international cooperation should be strengthened, not undermined.

Under the theme of "New Opportunities for China-Germany Economic and Trade Cooperation in the Context of Global Supply Chain Restructuring," the forum was organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

Johannes Jung, director of strategy, commercial law, foreign trade and Europe at the Baden-Wuerttemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs, shared his concerns over the rise of protectionism at the forum. Fears have been growing among many internationally active companies about protectionist tendencies, said Jung.

These companies need "open markets, fair trade relations and reliable international perception" and the confidence that their investments abroad are safe, Jung said, adding that these companies need to make suree they will find equal, fair, competitive conditions abroad.

Jung believes that regular political and private visits are important building blocks to ensure mutual understanding and to further deepen cooperation.

Despite the rise of trade protectionism, the trend of economic globalization is irreversible, and all parties should strengthen international cooperation based on trust, according to Jung.

The CCPIT is willing to join hands with German partners to tap into the potential of trade cooperation, continue to provide opportunities for high-quality German products such as autos and agricultural machinery to enter the Chinese market, and strengthen cooperation in industrial and supply chains, said Ren Hongbin, chairman of CCPIT.

The CCPIT intends to promote the development of bilateral investment, create a good environment for business cooperation, and encourage more competent Chinese companies to invest in Germany, Ren said.

Tim Wenniges, deputy chief executive officer (CEO) of Entrepreneurs Baden-Wuerttemberg Association, considers the forum as a "positive signal" that "cooperation is both possible and desired."

As a leading organization representing the economy of Baden-Wuerttemberg state, Entrepreneurs Baden-Wuerttemberg Association consists of 65 associations from 50 industries and represents businesses across various sectors, from industry and services to trade and craftsmanship.

According to Wenniges, China is one of the most important trading partners for the German economy, and economic ties between the two nations are extensive, with mutual investments and engagements.

"Around the world, we see increasing tendencies toward economic closure, but businesses are resisting these trends. Together, we aim to promote innovation, engage in trade, and foster deeper exchanges in various fields," he said.

The global supply chain is undergoing a profound revolution, which will inevitably have a great impact on cooperation between Chinese and German companies, said Wang Xiao, director of Genertec International Holding Co., Ltd.

Enhanced cooperation based on the principles of openness, tolerance and mutual benefit, is the best way to overcome challenges and achieve a win-win result, said Wang.

China has been an appealing destination for foreign investments due to an open approach, Huang Yiyang, the consul general of China in Frankfurt, underlined. Huang is looking forward to seeing more German companies benefiting from the opportunities that arise from the industrial transformation and technological innovation currently underway in China.

Lin Shunjie, chairman of China International Exhibition Center Group Limited, presented the third China International Supply Chain Expo, which is set to kick off on July 16 in China. The company signed letters of intent and cooperation memorandums for the exhibition with German partners like Wolqe GmbH and the China Network Baden-Wuerttemberg.

A total of 19 German companies attended the last China International Supply Chain Expo, Lin said. The German companies, which come from smart auto, clean energy and advanced manufacturing industries, are important players along the global supply chain, and their presence demonstrates the interconnection of the supply chain, added Lin, who is convinced there will be more German companies at the third China International Supply Chain Expo. Enditem

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