Chinese Firms Find Europe's Red Tape Daunting

So does everybody

Europe is a likely suitor for much of the $560 billion in outbound foreign direct investment China plans to make in the five years leading to 2015, according to a survey out today.

Ninety-seven percent of the 74 firms surveyed said that they will make future additional investments in the EU, with  most planning to invest higher amounts than currently, with more investment and acquisitions of technology brands and expertise, according to a study by European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, a lobby group for Chinese firms in the EU, with consultants Roland Berger and professional services firm KPMG. …

But getting your head around European laws and visa restrictions, as well as the fear that tough economic times could spark more political instability, make Europe hard to navigate for Chinese firms.

In fact the surveyed firms perceive Africa and the Middle East as having a more favourable business environment than the EU.