It is impossible for Europe to compete with China in EV by setting administrative barriers: Slovak PM

It is impossible for Europe to compete with China in the field of electric vehicle (EV) by setting various administrative barriers, said Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on Friday in an interview with China Media Group.

Fico paid an official visit to China from Oct 31 to Nov 5. During the visit, he visited a leading global player in battery technology and energy solutions in Hefei City of east China's Anhui Province.

During the visit to the factory, representatives of Slovak enterprises showed interest in establishing joint ventures with Chinese battery makers in Slovakia to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field.

Speaking with CMG following his visit to China, Fico acknowledged China's advantages in the field of EV, while expressing his disagreement with the Europe Union (EU)'s imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese EVs.

"Europe is envious of the significant progress China has made in the field of electric vehicles, particularly in the production of electric vehicle batteries. My response is that it is impossible to compete with China in this field by setting various administrative barriers. Perhaps it's because our goals are different, but I’m not sure what other factors there might be. We should focus on making our products affordable and high quality, as that's the only way to be competitive," said Fico.

Located in the heart of Europe, Slovakia boasts a unique geographical position that has made it a central hub for automotive production in Europe, as well as the highest per capita automobile production in the world. Many well-known global automotive groups have invested and set up factories in Slovakia.

With global EV industry experiencing a rapid development and the EU implementing stricter emissions standards, Slovakia is also pushing for a green transition of its auto industry.

It is impossible for Europe to compete with China in EV by setting administrative barriers: Slovak PM

As technologies like 5G, VR, and AI become more widely applied in the consumption sector, digital innovations are injecting new vitality into economic growth.

In major sports parks across Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, new projects featuring scientific innovation such as smart running tracks and AI fitness gyms have added new excitement and enjoyment to traditional sports activities.

Some parks have also launched multiple drone delivery services, as consumers can simply tap their phone screens, and within just a few minutes, their desired products can "fly" right to them.

"It feels great since my order arrived quite fast," said a resident surnamed Dai.

Cultural and tourism landmarks have unveiled innovative ways to engage visitors with the help of new technologies.

In Anyang City, central China's Henan Province, the Yinxu Museum at the Yin Ruins, the site of the last capital of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), has adopted the naked-eye 3D technology to present the ancient artifacts to the audience in a refreshing visual format of archaeology experiences.

"By employing high-precision 3D data modeling of cultural relics, along with advanced technologies such as high-definition imaging and enhanced micro-tracing, we aim to vividly convey the rich information hidden within these artifacts, truly bringing our museum's collections to life," said Zhao Qingrong, deputy curator of the Yinxu Museum.

For museums in Zibo City, east China's Shandong Province, they utilize wearable devices to create immersive panoramic films for visitors.

"This VR headset provides a strong immersive sensory experience, allowing us to easily engage in the virtual environment," said tourist Zhai Xiao.

Digital innovation injects vitality to consumption