On March 24, 2026, the "2026 New Quality Productive Forces & Cross-Border Finance Forum," co-hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) and Bank of China (Europe) S.A., and co-organized by the China Economic Information Service (CEIS) Shanghai Headquarters, was successfully held in Luxembourg. Under the theme "Beyond Borders, Shared Opportunities," the forum brought together over 100 representatives from the political, business, and academic sectors of China and Europe to engage in in-depth discussions on China's high-quality economic development, the cultivation of new quality productive forces, RMB internationalization, and cross-border financial cooperation between China and Europe.

Keynote Speeches: Charting a New Blueprint for China-EU Cooperation

The keynote speech session was moderated by Mr. Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of CCCEU. In his opening remarks, he noted that despite the pressures on global economic growth, China-EU economic and trade cooperation has demonstrated strong resilience. The forum aims to build a high-level dialogue platform for all sectors, fostering consensus and deepening cooperation in the fields of new quality productive forces and cross-border finance.

H.E. Ambassador Hua Ning, Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg, expressed his delight to attend the forum, noting that "as the Spring Equinox has arrived, all things are coming back to life." He elaborated on China's strategic vision for developing new quality productive forces in light of the recently approved 15th Five-Year Plan. He pointed out that "the plan places scientific and technological innovation in a more prominent and central position in the national strategy, aiming to promote deep integration between technological innovation and industrial innovation, as well as between advanced manufacturing and modern services, so that the vitality of science and technology can fully flourish within broad market prospects." He emphasized that "an efficient cross-border financial system is an important tool and bridge for optimizing resource allocation and connecting industries with markets. It serves as a powerful driver enabling production factors to traverse mountains and seas and allowing all countries to share opportunities." Ambassador Hua also spoke highly of the achievements in China-Luxembourg financial cooperation, noting that Luxembourg, as the largest RMB clearing center outside Asia, should deepen cross-border financial cooperation, improve financial infrastructure, and continuously innovate cooperation models and products to provide stronger support for the development of emerging industries on both sides.

Mr. Gilles Roth, Minister of Finance of Luxembourg, stated that the forum's theme, "Beyond Borders, Shared Opportunities," is most timely. He noted that against the backdrop of profound reshaping in geopolitics, technology, security, and supply chains, finance is no longer just a supporting sector but has become a strategic capacity and asset. He stressed that when tensions rise, dialogue becomes more necessary, not less, and that Luxembourg has always believed that "de-risking must not become a synonym for fragmentation." He spoke highly of the positive role played by Chinese financial institutions such as Bank of China in Europe, noting that Bank of China opened its first overseas branch in Luxembourg in 1979, and today there are 14 Chinese banking institutions with headquarters in China established there, serving as important bridges connecting the Chinese and European financial markets. On RMB internationalization, he remarked that the growth of international currencies depends on confidence, and Luxembourg can play a unique role in trade, finance, investment, and market infrastructure. He emphasized that Luxembourg will promote financial cooperation with a pragmatic spirit, ensuring that innovation strengthens rather than weakens trust, and called on all parties to turn shared opportunities into lasting results.

Mr. Suo Peng, Minister of the Chinese Mission to the EU, noted in his address that bilateral trade reached $828.1 billion in 2025, an increase of 5.4 percent, with China's direct investment in the EU growing by nearly 40 percent year-on-year, and the stock of two-way investment between China and the EU exceeding $280 billion. "These figures speak volumes about the resilience and vitality of our economic partnership," he emphasized. He also stressed, "We hope that the EU will step out of the 'small attic' of protectionism, refrain from imposing more restrictive trade measures and provide Chinese companies with a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment." He concluded, "Standing at a new starting point, we are full of confidence in the future of China-EU relations. In the face of an uncertain and turbulent international situation, China-EU relations carry greater strategic significance and global influence."

Mr. Liu Jiandong, Chairman of CCCEU and Chairman of Bank of China (Europe) S.A., stated in his keynote speech: "New quality productive forces mean innovation-led advanced productivity. They are defined by high technology, high efficiency, and high quality. And they are driven by a green and digital transformation." He noted that China-EU economic and trade cooperation has a solid foundation, with broad common interests in areas such as green transformation, digital economy, and technological innovation, offering vast potential for future cooperation. He introduced Bank of China's nearly half-century of presence in Europe, noting that Bank of China (Europe), leveraging its extensive regional footprint, rich professional experience, and diversified financial products, provides comprehensive financial services to Chinese and European enterprises, including green finance, supply chain finance, and syndicated loans, continuously supporting cooperation projects in key sectors such as new energy, infrastructure, and the digital economy, serving the connectivity of the real economy between China and Europe through financial strength.

Launch of the Report: "Jointly Shaping the Future of Industrial Innovation Ecosystems"

During the forum, the report "Jointly Shaping the Future of Industrial Innovation Ecosystems: Cooperation and Development of New Quality Productive Forces by Chinese Enterprises in Europe" was released. The session was moderated by Mr. Fang Dongkui, Secretary General of CCCEU.

In his remarks, Mr. Liu Jiandong noted that the report focuses on the development and collaboration of new quality productive forces, describing it as "a new paradigm of growth—driven by innovation, empowered by digitalization, and guided by green development. It represents a shift from traditional, resource-intensive production models to high-tech, high-efficiency, and high-quality development." He emphasized that "for Chinese enterprises in Europe, this pursuit is not only a domestic goal but also a sincere invitation for international cooperation and shared growth."

Mr. Tian Fan, Director-General of Xinhua News Agency's Europe Regional Bureau, stated in his address that despite the complex environment of geopolitical tensions, trade frictions, and regulatory adjustments facing China-EU economic and trade cooperation, he remains confident in the fundamentals of the bilateral economic partnership. He noted, "At a time when uncertainty can easily lead to misunderstanding, the role of accurate and balanced information becomes ever more important. We believe it is essential to promote fact-based perspectives, encourage mutual understanding, and highlight the many examples of constructive cooperation that often receive too little attention." He also emphasized that new quality productive forces, driven by innovation, technology, and high-efficiency, high-quality development, align closely with Europe's priorities in sustainability, digitalization, and industrial upgrading.

Mr. Luigi Gambardella, President of ChinaEU, noted in his speech: "We are entering a new phase of global economic transformation—one defined not by scale, but by innovation; not by cost, but by productivity; not by expansion alone, but by integration. This is what China describes as the rise of 'new quality productive forces.' And in this transformation, the relationship between China and Europe will not be marginal—it will be decisive." He stressed that Chinese companies in Europe must significantly increase their investment in institutional relations, public affairs, and public relations, advancing from "localization of production" to "localization of governance" to achieve long-term sustainable development.

Ms. Ji Lei, Vice President of China Economic Information Service and General Manager of the Shanghai Headquarters, stated: "Against the backdrop of profound adjustments in the global economic landscape and accelerating technological and industrial transformation, China and Europe possess different resource endowments. Their cooperation is built on an increasingly strong strategic consensus and a continuously consolidating economic and trade foundation. Our research shows that China and Europe are highly complementary and have significant cooperation potential in emerging industries, such as new energy vehicles, clean energy, and intelligent manufacturing." She further noted that while Chinese enterprises in emerging industries have launched numerous investment projects in Europe, they are increasingly facing challenges such as policy stability and regulatory transparency. She expressed the hope that both sides can jointly overcome obstacles, build industrial innovation ecosystems, advance industrial upgrading, and create mutual success that benefits the world.

Global Vision and European Practice: Co-building a New Ecosystem for Cross-border RMB Finance

In the session titled "Global Vision and European Practice: Co-building a New Ecosystem for Cross-border RMB Finance," Mr. Zhao Yi, Deputy General Manager of Bank of China (Europe) S.A., served as moderator.

Mr. Guan Tao, Global Chief Economist of BOC International (China), delivered a keynote speech on "Outlook on China's Economy and RMB Interest Rates and Exchange Rates." He analyzed RMB exchange rate mechanisms, interest rate trends, and cross-border capital flows in light of domestic and international macroeconomic conditions. He stated that China's macroeconomic policies will maintain continuity and stability, providing long-term value support for RMB assets.

Mr. Li Shuo, Deputy General Manager of Transaction Banking Department at Bank of China Europe, gave a special presentation on the introduction and practical application of RMB products at Bank of China Europe. He showcased the bank's professional capabilities and market advantages in cross-border settlement, trade finance, and RMB bond issuance through specific case studies.

Interpretation of the 2025/2026 CCCEU Flagship Report: Weathering Challenges, Sharing Success

Ms. Liang Linlin, Director of Communication and Research at CCCEU, provided an in-depth interpretation of the chamber's flagship report, "Weathering Challenges, Sharing Success: CCCEU Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises in the EU 2025/2026." The report systematically reflects the current development status, challenges, and future expectations of Chinese enterprises in Europe.

The report shows that Chinese enterprises in Europe place high priority on policy stability and the predictability of the business environment, hoping to further unleash cooperation potential through institutional openness and rule alignment. Chinese enterprises in Europe remain confident in their development and are accelerating their transformation toward high-end, green, and digital directions, demonstrating strong adaptability and development resilience.

This forum provided a high-level dialogue platform for all sectors in Luxembourg, China, and Europe. Participating guests agreed that against the backdrop of global economic transformation, China and Europe should uphold open cooperation, strengthen financial connectivity, jointly promote the development of new quality productive forces, and achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes. As Ambassador Hua Ning remarked, "Diligence in spring brings early progress, and hard work yields fruitful results in autumn. New quality productive forces represent the future, and cross-border finance connects the future. Together, they will create new space for global economic growth."