The Portugal-China & Europe-China Cooperation Development Forum, themed "New Era and New Opportunities" took place successfully in Lisbon, Portugal, on February 18, 2025. A key highlight of the event was the official launch of the long-anticipated Automotive Working Group by the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU), representing over a thousand of Chinese enterprises operating across Europe.

Strengthening China-EU and China-Portugal Economic Relations

The forum coincided with the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of the China-Portugal Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The event featured distinguished speakers, including Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Zhao Bentang, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency (AICEP) Ricardo Arroja, and Counselor Wang Yi of the Chinese Mission to the EU, who expressed their strong support for deepening trade and investment ties between China, Portugal, and the broader EU. Also in attendance was former Portuguese Foreign Minister António da Cruz.

Co-hosted by CCCEU and the Association of Chinese Companies in Portugal (Associação de Sociedades Chinesas em Portugal, ASCP), the forum explored collaboration opportunities in green transition, digital development, technological innovation, and industrial cooperation. CCCEU Chairman Liu Jiandong and ASCP Chairman Guo Zhiyao delivered speeches, while CCCEU Secretary General Fang Dongkui presided over the event.

China-Europe and China-Portugal Economic Ties: Thriving with Resilience and Dynamism

Chinese Ambassador Zhao Bentang highlighted the steady growth of China-Portugal relations, emphasizing that China remains Portugal's largest trading partner in Asia and its fourth-largest foreign investor. He stressed that economic collaboration between China, Portugal, and the EU serves as a stabilizing force amid global uncertainty and called for removing ideological biases to foster stronger, mutually beneficial trade ties.

AICEP Chairman and CEO Ricardo Arroja underscored Portugal's historical and economic ties with China, noting its early support for the Belt and Road Initiative and its role as the first Eurozone country to issue renminbi-denominated "panda bonds." He reaffirmed Portugal's commitment to attracting Chinese investment, particularly in key sectors like renewable energy and technological innovation.

Counselor Wang Yi of the Chinese Mission to the EU emphasized that China and the EU are more partners than competitors. He noted that import and export trade between China and the EU amounts to nearly $1.5 million per minute, demonstrating the deep economic integration between the two regions. Wang urged both sides to seize opportunities and tackle challenges together to ensure steady, long-term growth.

Chinese Enterprises in Europe, Portugal Seek New Cooperation Opportunities

This forum marked the first economic and trade exchange event jointly organized by the CCCEU and the ASCP. Both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation in green development, digitalization, and sustainability while advocating for free trade and multilateralism.

CCCEU Chairman Liu Jiandong reflected on Portugal's role in shaping global trade liberalization and emphasized the strong complementarity between China and the EU in trade, technology, and green development. He called for a more stable, open, and sustainable business environment to benefit enterprises on both sides.

ASCP Chairman Guo Zhiyao highlighted significant Chinese investments in Portugal's energy, infrastructure, and financial sectors, emphasizing opportunities in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and digitalization. He stressed ASCP's commitment to fostering innovation and strategic partnerships to support green and digital economic transformation.

CCCEU Automotive Working Group Officially Launched

A major milestone of the forum was the official launch of the CCCEU Automotive Working Group, marking the fourth industry-specific working group established by the CCCEU, following the digital, green, and financial sectors.

The working group, chaired by Zhang Hui, Vice President of NIO Europe, aims to support Chinese automakers in the EU, foster industry collaboration, and address regulatory challenges. The group will also serve as a platform for dialogue on technological innovation, industry standards, and market expansion, especially as the automotive sector undergoes rapid transformation with electrification and intelligent vehicle technologies, Zhang said.

The launch comes at a critical moment, following the EU's imposition of hefty countervailing tariffs on imported Chinese electric vehicles. Industry stakeholders have been calling for a dedicated working group to convey industry concerns, protect interests, and enhance China-EU cooperation in mobility and green technology.

The CCCEU Automotive Working Group will include Chinese automakers, auto parts suppliers, financial institutions, logistics providers, consulting firms, and legal experts, providing a comprehensive support network for the industry.

CCCEU Presents Flagship Report on Development of Chinese Enterprises in the EU

The forum also featured the presentation of the "Facing Challenges, Forging Ahead – CCCEU Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises in the EU" by Liang Linlin, Director of Communications and Research at CCCEU. This marked the first official presentation of the report in an EU member state since its launch in Brussels in December 2024.

Additionally, panel discussions covered key topics, including the EU business environment, the state of China-EU and China-Portugal trade relations, existing challenges, and future opportunities. Luis Neves, CEO of the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI), and Manuel Pinheiro, CFO of Salvador Caetano Automotive Group, shared their insights on the evolving economic landscape.

The half-day forum attracted around 70 representatives from government, business, academia, and media sectors across China, Europe, and Portugal, reinforcing its significance as a platform for high-level dialogue and cooperation. 

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You can find the event photo gallery here.