The new two-way street of Chinese direct investment in the European Union

In the light of growing trade and investment flows, the investment relationship between the European Union (EU) and China needs to be revisited. Chinese firms face significant barriers in entering and operating in the European market whilst the European economy needs more investment. Support for investment may be crucial for both the EU and China to improve economic growth. The prospective International Investment Agreement (IIA) seeks to achieve this goal. This paper focuses on Chinese inward foreign direct investment into the EU and on the potential for generating greater mutual EU–China flows, improved market access and investor protection under the IIA.