A China-Europe freight train bound for Hamburg of Germany departs from Haicang Station in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Nov. 13, 2020.(Photo: Xinhua)

European companies are keen on investing in China in sectors including chemical, machinery and consumer goods, and they're looking for more detailed measures in expanding China's market access while look forward to continuous improvement in business operational environment, a spokesperson of the European Union (EU) Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), told the Global Times.

The comment was made during China's annual Two Sessions - the NPC and CPPCC sessions, which were opened last week and will last till Thursday. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced in his government work report to the NPC on Friday that the country had set a GDP target of more than 6 percent for 2021. Li also pledged continuing expanding market access for foreign enterprises.  

"The 6 per cent goal is modest enough considering the 2020 baseline that we don't expect excessive waste," the spokesperson said. 

He added that the European business community hopes to see measures surrounding new market access to announced, and is eager to see a disciplined and measured response to the economic challenges China is facing after the difficulties of 2020.

British Chamber of Commerce in China also told the Global Times that China's pledge to reform state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and create a level playing field for all companies could be greatly beneficial. The chamber also noted that they hope that other concerns for UK companies, such as challenges with cross-border data transfer or making overseas payments, will also be addressed by Chinese regulators.

"China and the UK have a very similar policy direction on environmental protection, and there is scope for British and Chinese companies to work together to develop innovative 'green' products and services," the British Chamber said.

In the eyes of British corporations, China is not only the major economy to have gained a positive economic growth in 2020, but also has a clear path forward to become a leading driver of technological innovations.

"The potential of the market is self-evident and British businesses will continue to increase their investment in China in 2021," the chamber said.