Hey there! Have you ever wondered how hospitals get all those cool medical machines? Well, sometimes they have to buy them from companies around the world. But recently, something big happened between the European Union (EU) and Chinese companies.
The EU has decided that for the next five years, Chinese companies can’t bid on really big medical equipment contracts worth over 5 million euros (that’s about $5.7 million)! 😮 This means Chinese companies won’t be able to sell their medical devices to EU hospitals in these big deals.
Why did this happen? The EU says it’s about making things fair, using a rule called the International Procurement Instrument (IPI). They want to make sure everyone has the same chance to sell their products.
But the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (that’s a group that helps Chinese businesses in Europe) is really upset about this. They feel it’s not fair and could harm the friendship and trade between China and the EU.
They also mentioned that European companies have been selling their medical devices in China for years without problems. So, they think it’s unfair to block Chinese companies now.
The Chamber is asking the EU to think again about this decision. They believe that working together and being open is better for everyone, especially during times when the world is trying to recover economically.
What do you think? Should countries block companies from other places, or should everyone be allowed to trade freely? 🤔
Reference(s):
China chamber decries EU discriminatory curbs on medical device firms
cgtn.com
