On 24 July 2025, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen jointly hosted a China–EU Business Roundtable at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Nearly 60 leaders of business associations and companies from China and Europe attended the meeting, which marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and highlighted the commitment to strengthening economic ties.
During the discussion, representatives from both sides expressed confidence in the prospects for China–EU trade and investment and offered suggestions to enhance cooperation. Premier Li noted that, over the past five decades, cooperation has been the only correct choice for China and the EU. Bilateral trade and two way investment have grown rapidly and delivered tangible benefits to enterprises and citizens. Li said that adherence to openness and freedom, improved market connectivity and industrial linkages would enable the two sides to better leverage their comparative advantages for mutual benefit.
Li emphasized that, amid severe shocks to the international economic order and weakening global growth, the strategic significance of China–EU cooperation has become more apparent. Continued expansion of trade and investment can generate strong economic synergy, boost resilience and help both economies withstand external uncertainties. He called on China and the EU to uphold free trade and multilateralism and to work more closely together to safeguard economic globalization and the stability of international supply chains. The Premier urged both sides to capitalize on their complementary strengths by focusing on service trade, scientific and technological innovation, the green economy and cooperation in third party markets, thereby nurturing new growth drivers. He also encouraged building a healthy competitive–cooperative relationship, achieving higher level alignment and creating a more stable and efficient industrial ecosystem.
Li reminded participants that entrepreneurs are key builders of China–EU economic ties. He expressed hope that businesses on both sides would remain open, match their needs more closely and deepen cooperation in industrial investment, joint research and market development. China, he said, will continue to pursue high level opening up, further shorten the negative list for foreign investment, strengthen intellectual property protection and ensure fair competition, and welcomes more European companies to invest and deepen their presence in China. He also urged European authorities to provide a fair, just and non discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies investing in Europe.
In her remarks, President von der Leyen said that recent meetings between EU and Chinese leaders had produced important consensus on strengthening cooperation and addressing shared challenges. She described China and the EU as major trading partners and noted that China is not only a manufacturing powerhouse but also a leader in innovation. Von der Leyen said the EU would use the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to deepen a long term, stable and mutually beneficial partnership with China, strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, jointly promote supply chain stability, manage differences properly and foster a sound climate for cooperation and businessn. She stressed that the EU does not intend to “decouple” from China and welcomes Chinese companies to invest in Europe.
Background
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. The EU has long been one of China’s largest trading partners, and China is also a major market for EU exports and investment. Cooperation opportunities are expanding in fields such as digital economy, green transition, third country market projects and technological innovation. As a founding member of the EU and one of China’s key trading partners in Europe, the Netherlands has significant collaboration with Chinese firms in semiconductors, agricultural technology, logistics and financial services. Policy measures such as streamlining negative lists, improving intellectual property protection and optimizing the business environment are providing a more favourable environment for cross border investment and cooperation.
Closing
The China–EU Business Roundtable underscored the shared desire to deepen economic ties. Leaders and business participants agreed that openness, complementary strengths and new growth drivers are essential for future cooperation. The positive signals from the meeting encourage Chinese enterprises operating in the Netherlands and other European countries, as well as European businesses in China, to expand partnerships. By working together, they can contribute to stable global supply chains and sustained economic growth.
This article is based on public reporting from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
Original source: https://www.mfa.gov.cn/zyxw/202507/t20250724_11676642.shtml
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