China and EU have agreed a customs co-operation and mutual administrative assistance deal. A European Commission statement says: "The agreement aims to improve customs co-operation in order to facilitate trade, to increase security and combat terrorism, and to step up the fight against counterfeiting, piracy and customs fraud. The agreement was initialled on the margins of the visit of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jlabao to the EU institutions on 5 and 6 May and enjoys strong political support from both sides". EC commissioner Frits Bolkenstein said: "This agreement will be an important step forward as it will facilitate trade and the fight against fraud and counterfeiting. It will also constitute a strong incentive to promote the most advanced customs standards and, more generally, customs co-operation between the EU and other Asian countries"
Maritime Global Net