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Message from the Head of the European Union Delegation in China
The People's Republic of China is undergoing fundamental changes,
restructuring and reforming major aspects of its landscape in order
to modernise the economy and to further its social development.
The European Union not only welcomes the opening up of China, but
it also encourages and actively supports China's integration into
the world arena, be it in the political, economic, technological
or environmental field.
In this context, the EU-China Small Projects Facility Programme
can play a significant role, after it launched its first call for
proposals on November 2003. The project's main objective is to support
initiatives promoting China's structural reforms and integration
into the world economy, by allocating financial support to a number
of projects proposed by Chinese civil society organisations, institutions,
and governmental organisations. It will offer quick and efficient
response to immediate needs of Chinese beneficiaries coming from
various areas and levels in a fast changing environment in China.
The project's key areas of cooperation are social and economic
reform, including legislative frameworks; WTO related issues; environment;
higher education; good governance, media and cultural initiatives.
I am pleased that the European Union and the People's Republic
of China continue to strengthen their ties through yet another programme,
which encourages grass root initiatives for cooperation. I hope
that Chinese organisations take the opportunity offered by the EU-China
Small Projects Facility to contribute to the deepening and broadening
of EU China relations.
Dr. Klaus Ebermann
Ambassador
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2004