A hearing on an anti-dumping investigation into imported brandy from the EU was held at China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday, attended by stakeholders from 26 parties, including the EU Delegation to China, and embassies of several EU member countries including France, Spain and Italy, as well as business representatives.

A Chinese expert said that the meeting showed China's open stance for dialogue and efforts to settle disputes through talks by all parties, urging the EU to meet China halfway.

The hearing, hosted by MOFCOM official Shi Yiwei, was to gather information from stakeholders as part of the investigation process under Chinese domestic law, and it involved discussions related to industrial damage, causality and public interest related to the brandy anti-dumping case. Some 80 people from embassies, companies and business groups attended the hearing.

China is conducting an investigation related to an anti-dumping case involving imported brandy, a move that is law-based and made in response to domestic businesses, experts said.

It shows China's open attitude to resolving trade issues through dialogue with all parties in responding to industry concerns, Wang Yiwei, a professor at the School of International Relations at Renmin University of China, told the Global Times, urging the EU to meet China halfway when it comes to settling other trade disputes.

On January 5, the MOFCOM responded to an application from the domestic brandy industry by initiating an anti-dumping investigation into imported brandy originating from the EU.

Speaking about the investigation at a regular press conference on July 11, newly appointed MOFCOM spokesperson He Yongqian said that the investigation is underway in accordance with legal procedures.

This hearing was requested by EU enterprises and relevant associations to allow all stakeholders to express their opinions and provide evidence, He said.

According to China's anti-dumping regulations, the investigating authority has the right to make preliminary rulings 60 days after a case is filed, according to the MOFCOM.

The MOFCOM will continue to conduct a thorough investigation while ensuring the rights of all parties are protected under the law, and make a ruling based on the investigation results and in accordance with legal procedures, the ministry spokesperson said.

Source: Global Times