China's vice-minister of commerce Ling Ji said Thursday that the country is prepared to increase imports from Germany and the rest of Europe, citing complementary economic ties.
Ling Ji spoke at the "Big Market for All: Export to China" event in Berlin. He referenced German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's February visit to China, which produced common understandings to guide bilateral trade.
The initiative, launched in Shanghai in November 2025, aims to boost imports through more than 100 activities annually across five to eight partner countries. Germany leads European participation in the related China International Import Expo.
German business representatives expressed optimism. Thomas Koenig of the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry noted substantial room for cooperation despite global tensions. Eberhard J. Trempel of the German Global Trade Forum Berlin highlighted potential in green tech and artificial intelligence.
Ling addressed Germany's concerns over trade imbalances, stating that demand for German products in China continues to grow and balance would come with continued openness.
