"Our biggest challenge has been to stay responsive to the fast changing multilateral and bilateral trade environment, where in particular under the numerous trade dialogues, new issues can arise almost overnight, requiring a swift follow up," said Bartley.

"Just last month the meeting of the EU-China Regulatory Dialogue in Beijing between the EC Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry and the Chinese Administration of Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine resulted in more than 40 meetings and official exchanges during one week.

"The EUCTP was on hand to support this dialogue and organized various seminars and workshops that contributed to the success of this strategic dialogue," said Bartley.