The Brussels-based European Chamber of Commerce in China held the 2025 China-EU Business Summit on the 27th. More than 150 representatives of Chinese and European business circles, politicians and academics gathered together to discuss the current situation and challenges of China-EU economic and trade, future cooperation paths and other issues.
Fei Shengchao, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium, attended the forum and delivered a speech. He said that the current international trade pattern is undergoing profound changes. The proportion of goods trade in the global South has jumped from less than one-third 25 years ago to 45% at present. It is particularly noteworthy that the global service trade is booming, far exceeding the growth rate of goods trade, which provides a good foundation for deepening China-EU economic and trade cooperation.
Fei Shengchao emphasized that globalization is an inevitable trend of historical development. Any attempt to build walls and barriers and close the door to the outside world is contrary to the trend of the times. Openness, inclusiveness, mutual benefit and win-win are the right way for mankind. Whether in China, Europe or other parts of the world, free trade has always been the common expectation of the business community.
Liu Jiandong, President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and Chairman of Bank of China (Europe) Ltd., said that both China and Europe are committed to achieving a greener and more digital future, and there is a lot of room for synergy in the fields of electric vehicles, clean energy, circular economy, artificial intelligence, etc. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. The European Union Chamber of Commerce in China will seize the opportunities brought by the new chapter of China-EU relations to promote sustainable and mutually beneficial development between China and the EU.
Maria João Rodrigues, former Minister of Employment of Portugal and President of the European Foundation for Progressive Studies, said that both Europe and China have ancient and wise civilizations. The two sides have experienced a stage of mutual discovery and are still continuing to understand each other. In the face of the current multipolar world, Europe and China can work together to improve the level of global governance.
Liu Yu, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Mission to the European Union, said that at present, China and the EU have great potential for cooperation in the fields of green energy, artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, etc. China is willing to properly resolve economic and trade differences and frictions with the EU through dialogue and consultation, and is also willing to work with the EU to oppose unilateralism and protectionism and maintain an open and cooperative international environment.
In the sub-forum, participants discussed topics such as "Business Associations - Platforms for Cooperation" and "50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and the EU: Coexistence and Prosperity Illuminating the World", shared practical experiences in international cooperation, policy advocacy, and business associations promoting corporate development, and expressed their views on the cooperation opportunities and development prospects between China and the EU in the fields of new energy and green economy.
