In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union (EU), the third edition of the "EU-China Business Leaders Roundtable Dialogue" was successfully held on February 7, 2025, in Brussels. The event was co-organized by the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC).

The dialogue, themed "Europe – China Markets: New Drivers, New Opportunities, and New Actions", explored key areas of economic collaboration, such as green transformation and digitalization, and discussed the future trajectory of high-quality development in China-EU trade and investment relations. The event saw the participation of approximately 100 distinguished representatives from both Chinese and European political and business sectors, including Ambassador Cai Run, Head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, senior EU officials, and business leaders from both sides.

This dialogue represents the first major event between the Chinese and European business communities to mark the milestone anniversary of  diplomatic relations this year. It served as a platform for advancing economic and trade discussions, examining the opportunities arising from economic transformations spurred by the ongoing technological revolution, and strengthening mutual trust between China and the EU. Furthermore, the dialogue aimed to explore new avenues for two-way investment and trade, ultimately contributing to deeper cooperation and the inclusive growth of the global economy.

A Keynote on Economic Symbiosis and Pathways to Collaboration

In his keynote address, Ambassador Cai Run underscored the timeliness of the dialogue. He highlighted the recent in-depth exchanges between the leaders of China and the EU, which have laid the groundwork for future high-level meetings focusing on trade, economy, digital technology, and environmental cooperation. The ambassador emphasized the importance of fostering stronger economic ties, particularly in a world increasingly marked by uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. He reaffirmed China's commitment to upholding the original spirit of diplomatic relations and underscored the necessity of managing economic and trade differences, such as the ongoing electric vehicle dispute, in a constructive manner.

Ambassador Cai also pointed out the crucial role that both Chinese and European businesses play in driving bilateral economic growth. He expressed hope that both sides would continue to expand their areas of cooperation, making significant contributions to the continued development of China-EU relations.

Eva Valle Lagares, Head of Far East Affairs at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade, also addressed the forum. She noted that China remains the EU's second-largest trading partner and expressed optimism about the untapped potential for two-way investment. Valle Lagares emphasized that European businesses in China have been instrumental in driving economic and employment growth, and she called for a more balanced trade relationship in the years to come.

Looking Back on 50 Years of Cooperation, Looking Forward to New Growth

CCCEU Chairman Liu Jiandong and EUCCC President Jens Eskelund delivered welcoming remarks, reflecting on the historical significance of the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties. Liu highlighted the impressive growth of economic and trade relations between China and the EU over the past five decades, noting that these ties have contributed significantly to global economic stability and growth.

With global economic conditions growing more uncertain, both Liu and Eskelund emphasized the need for further collaboration, particularly in emerging sectors such as clean energy, smart manufacturing, and digital transformation. They also called for the reduction of trade and investment barriers to ensure a level playing field for businesses from both sides.

Panel Discussions Focus on Business Environment, Green and Digital Transformation

The roundtable featured two in-depth panel discussions, each addressing critical aspects of the China-Europe relationship in the current global context.

The first discussion, moderated by Adam Dunnett , Secretary General of the EUCCC, focused on the evolving business environment in both China and the EU. Key panelists included Ms. Xue Wenxia, Vice Chairperson of the CCCEU and General Manager of China Unicom Europe; Mr. Kenneth Fredriksen, Senior Vice President of Huawei Europe; Mr. Zhang Hui, Vice President of NIO Europe; Mr. Peter Ling-Vannerus, EUCCC's  States' Representative and Chief Representative of the Beijing Office of Nordea Bank AB; Mr. Zhang Jie (Jacky), Chair of the Cosmetics Working Group at EUCCC and Asia Regulatory Director of L'Oréal; and Magnus Sprenger, Vice Chair of the Taxation Working Group at EUCCC and Partner at EY. The discussion centered on the opportunities and challenges arising from the global economic landscape and explored avenues for deeper cooperation between China and Europe.

The second panel, moderated by Ji Dong, Account Director at China Mobile International (UK), delved into the sectors of green and digital transformation. Speakers included Mr. Wang Zhisheng, Vice Chairperson of the CCCEU ;Dr. Hui Cao, Vice President, Head of Strategy and Policy of Huawei Europe Public Affairs; Mr. Simone Ciampi, Vice President of Exprivia Asia Pacific and Vice Chair of Information and Communication Technology Working Group at EUCCC; Ma Xiaowen, Chair of the Cybersecurity Sub-Working Group at EUCCC; and Qiu Jixin, Chair of the International Shipping Working Group at EUCCC. The panelists explored the potential for collaboration in green and digital economies, highlighting both the opportunities for innovation and the challenges both regions faced in transitioning to sustainable and digital landscapes.

Fostering Cooperation Amid Global Changes

In closing remarks, Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of the CCCEU, reflected on the robust resilience and dynamic cooperation between China and Europe, even amidst the profound shifts in the global economic landscape. He called for enhanced cooperation on green transformation and digital innovation as the two sides work together toward sustainable growth.

The dialogue was well-received by nealy 100 delegates from over 70 Chinese and European companies and organizations, representing sectors including finance, technology, energy, infrastructure, automotive, and more. The forum provided an opportunity for both sides to align on shared priorities and identify new areas for cooperation, particularly in green energy, digital technology, and cross-border logistics.

EUCCC Secretary General Adam Dunnett highlighted that the roudtable dialogue, which covered sectors such as compliance and standards, led to key agreements that strengthened business ties. With 2025 marking the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, he expressed confidence that this milestone would enhance cooperation and open new opportunities for trade.

In addition, representatives from organizations such as the Association of Chinese Companies in Austria, China Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, Chinese Enterprise Association in Greece , the EU-China Business Association, the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC), the German Association of the Automotive Industry, and the China Automotive Standards Internationalization Center (Geneva) also attended the event.

As the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations continues to be celebrated, the dialogue marked a significant step in deepening the economic and trade ties between the two regions, ensuring mutual benefit and sustainable growth in the decades ahead.