The China-EU Round Table between the China Economic and Social Council (CESC) and the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held its 21st edition on September 14 in China's eastern city of Hangzhou.  

Thirty-seven representatives from China and Europe engaged in in-depth discussions on topics ranging from poverty alleviation, trade and investment to artificial intelligence.

Wang Dongfeng, vice chairman and secretary general of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee and chairman of the China Economic and Social Council, delivered a speech.

Wang said China and the European Union must stay committed to their partnership, openness and inclusiveness, and multilateralism to help usher in a future featuring greater mutual respect and trust, mutual benefit and win-win results, and fairness and justice. He added that China stands ready to work with the EU to leverage the China-EU Round Table mechanism, advance deeper cooperation across all fields and foster the sound development of China-EU relations.

The China-EU Civil Society Round Table was established in 2007 following a decision taken at the 9th China-EU Summit held in the Finnish capital Helsinki. Delegations from the CESC and the EESC meet regularly to discuss economic and social issues of common interest.