Page 9 - Port of Hamburg Magazine - 02.19

For an export nation like Germany, the discus- sions started by the American President regarding trade agreements with Europe and China are not to be taken lightly. For Germany’s economy, good trade relationships with both the USA and China are of great importance. How can Germany posi- tion itself successfully?
We have absolutely no interest in protectionist world trade policies. Our trade needs rules that are enforced and observed by all. In so doing, we have to take eco- logical and social standards for work and living con- ditions into account. That’s win-win for everybody. However, at the moment, nationalistic and protection- ist movements seem to be gaining the upper hand in some countries. It is my concern that the trade con- flict between the USA and China may become a pro- tracted trade war that will continue to affect us all. It must therefore be our aim for the European Union to toughen a harder stance against the USA and, above all, China. Deficiencies have to be clearly stated. A confrontation between the two biggest economic powers and creating further trade barriers will benefit nobody.
The New Silk Road is being developed with great momentum by China, into Europe too. Now there are voices in Germany that imply Heiko Maas and Peter Altmaier have a ‘blockade’ policy against the New Silk Road. From your point of view, are there reservations in our Foreign Ministry, and if yes, which?
Trade with China and the New Silk Road are an enor- mous opportunity for Germany and the Port of Ham- burg, which is the central location in Germany for cargo to and from China. Both by the sea trade route and overland, Hamburg is excellently networked with China’s ports and inland centres. Naturally, we want to continue developing our traditionally very good trade relationship with China. However, what we will not do is to sign contractual agreements pre-drafted by Beijing as part of a public relations exercise. To- day, where it makes commercial sense, we already cooperate well with China. What we see critically are agreements with Beijing negotiated unilaterally. What we consider sceptically is that in recent years the Chi- nese side has opened special negotiation formats, known as ‘16+1’, with individual European countries.
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Port of Hamburg Magazine | June 2019 | 09