Germany urges 'level playing field' in foreign investment

Berlin

GERMANY'S economy minister called on Wednesday for an international "level playing field" in foreign investment amid concerns over rising Chinese interest in German firms and said Berlin wanted the European Union to tackle the issue.

Sigmar Gabriel drew a distinction between open markets and what he called "a state-capitalist interventionist market", a clear reference to China, where German companies have long complained of obstacles to investment and acquiring local firms.