EU-China maritime agreement enters into force

The 2002 agreement on maritime transport between China and the European Union will enter into force on March 1. It contains provisions on market access and provides for cooperation on maritime affairs and has become the key component of the existing strong relations in the maritime field between China and the EU.

“The entry into force of the 2002 agreement on maritime transport will further boost the economic development of the EU and China for the benefit of world trade in general and maritime transport operators in particular,” said Vice-president Jacques Barrot. “Furthermore, I am pleased to note that our maritime cooperation in such important areas as maritime safety has also been strengthened on the basis of this agreement”.

The maritime agreement, concluded between China, the European Community and its member states, was signed in Brussels on December 6, 2002. Following its ratification by all 15 member states and the decision by the Council on 28 January 2008 to conclude the agreement, it will now enter into force on March 1. The ten new member states, which joined the EU in 2004, are covered by a protocol to the agreement, and a similar protocol is being negotiated to take account of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania in 2007.

The maritime agreement is aimed at improving the conditions under which maritime cargo transport operations are carried out. It is based on the principles of freedom to provide maritime transport services, free access to cargoes and cross trades, unrestricted access to and non discriminatory treatment in the use of ports and auxiliary services as well as regarding commercial presence. It covers all aspects of door-to-door services. It also deals with maritime transport cooperation notably in international organisations such as the IMO, ILO and WTO. 

About 90% of world trade is carried by sea, and both EU and China are major players in maritime affairs. EU shipping companies control more than 40% of the world fleet and China is the EU’s second largest trading partner.