The European Union (EU) had opened 10 contact points in China to give European small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) easier access to the market, the European Commission said on Oct 13.

The announcement was made at the third annual conference of the European Enterprise Network, launched in February 2008 by the commission as a key part of the EU's efforts to encourage competitiveness in European businesses.

The contact points were located in cities such as Guangzhou, Xiamen and Hangzhou to provide practical information and assistance for European SMEs to expand their exports or business presence in China.

The commission provided as an example a Swedish chocolate firm that wanted to expand into China. It was referred by its home office in Sweden to the Network's contact point in Wuhan, and together they found the right partner to distribute and promote its brand. Now the company is setting up a sales office in China.

"European small businesses drive growth and create jobs. As markets become global, an increasing share of SMEs will turn their ideas and energy into exports outside their own countries or the EU," said Antonio Tajani, EU Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, adding there were huge opportunities for SMEs in large trading partners like China.

He said, as competition from companies outside the EU had become more intense as a result of the financial crisis, SMEs needed open markets and fair competition in order to be competitive.

The European Enterprise Network now offers practical support and advice to more than two million European small businesses, helping them to make the most of international opportunities and start exporting.

It spans 47 countries, including EU member states, the United States, Russia, China, Mexico and South Korea. The services are delivered through 589 specialist business and technology organizations with 3,000 expert staff members.

It also provides information on EU legislation and funding, offers advice on how to develop an innovative idea and helps companies to increase their chances of success when applying for EU funding.