https://wccftech.com/eu-body-optimistic-regarding-chinas-efforts-to-curb-forced-ip-transfers-is-the-asian-giant-caving-to-the-u-s-pressure/

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China seems to have taken a positive view of the country’s new Foreign Investment Law (FIL) slated to take effect on 1st of January 2020. Joerg Wuttke, the President of the EU body, informed reporters that, on the basis of a preliminary examination, the law “is surprisingly accommodating to all concerns ... we have.”

The landmark law was approved by China in March of 2019 – only three months after its placement on the agenda by the Chinese policymakers. The law, at least on paper, appears to show China’s resolve to improve the local business environment for foreign companies. The FIL stresses on a more equitable treatment of foreign investors by ensuring the provision of a level playing field and introducing the same level of protections for foreign investors as those afforded to the domestic ones. Moreover, the legislation aims to address major grievances of foreign businesses by removing inherent advantages that domestic firms enjoy in the government procurement process. The law also obligates local governments to treat foreign investments on the basis of a standardized framework of administrative actions. Finally, the FIL unifies the wide gamut of laws currently governing foreign investments which, in turn, will simplify the overall process and improve China’s ease of doing business.