Interview: "Greater understanding" between China and Europe key to prosperous ties: Spanish expert

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) — A Spanish entrepreneur, Marin Orriols, highlighted the importance of “greater understanding” between China and Europe for prosperous business relations in the future, in an interview with Xinhua on Friday.

Orriols, who is the CEO of China-Europe Consultants based in Barcelona, emphasized that unlocking the full potential of opportunities between China and Europe depends on greater understanding.

The consultancy specializes in aiding Chinese and European companies in market establishment, and the leader of the consultancy believes that grasping the potential of the Chinese market requires Europeans to develop a profound understanding of China.

According to Orriols, the reality of China is very different from what is commonly thought, and Europeans need to make the effort to go to China, to understand China, and to see the possibilities of that market.

He also pointed out that the lack of knowledge of the local business environment in both China and Europe is a major hurdle for companies in both places, and assistance is required to navigate the intricacies of each other’s systems.

Orriols highlighted that many Chinese companies want to come to the European Union countries but fail, and this is also a reason why European companies fail in China. He stressed that Europe has 27 countries, 24 languages, and each country has its own protectionist policy.

The CEO suggested providing professional and business-oriented support to government delegations visiting Europe from China, aiding them in setting up business agendas with different sectors.

Looking to the future, European companies have little choice but to find a way to come to terms with China, given the Asian country’s continued growth, according to Orriols.

He warned that China will become the main power at all levels globally in the 21st century and suggested that Europe should accept this reality and face it by visiting, talking, and negotiating with China.

Orriols expressed optimism that the challenges facing both blocs can be overcome and believes that the right government policies and viewing China as a partner, not a rival, can help achieve this.