On November 27, the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands held an event in Amsterdam to celebrate its 20th anniversary. Over 200 attendees from the political and business communities of China and the Netherlands, as well as business representatives from other European countries, reviewed achievements in economic and trade cooperation, explored new areas for collaboration, and discussed strategies to address emerging challenges.
Photo caption: On November 27, ACIEN held an event in Amsterdam to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Counselor Jin Yuan, for Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands, stated that openness and pragmatism form the cornerstone of China-Netherlands economic and trade cooperation. Over the past 50 years since establishing diplomatic relations, bilateral economic and trade ties have developed rapidly. The Netherlands is China’s second-largest trading partner within the EU, while China is the Netherlands’ largest trading partner outside the EU. Among all EU countries, the Netherlands is China’s largest investment destination and the second-largest source of investment for China. The two countries also collaborate closely on major international issues such as climate change, sustainable development goals, and artificial intelligence within the frameworks of various international organizations.
Photo caption: Counselor Jin Yuan for Commercial Affairs of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands delivers remarks at the event.
Jin Yuan stated that the 15th Five-Year Plan outlines a clear path for China’s opening-up over the next five years. China will uphold the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation to advance high-level opening-up to new heights. Jin Yuan proposed recommendations for further deepening practical cooperation between the two sides: First, adhere to market rules and comply with laws and regulations; second, pursue mutual benefit and win-win outcomes while balancing the interests of all parties; third, fully leverage the role of the Chinese Enterprises Association and improve the service network.
Photo caption: Erwin Nijsse, Director-General for Enterprise and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, delivers remarks at the event.
Erwin Nijsse, Director-General for Enterprise and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, stated that economic and trade cooperation between China and the Netherlands is a driving force for the Netherlands’ long-term prosperity and a key to better addressing global challenges. Erwin Nijsse emphasized that there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between the Netherlands and China, and that openness and pragmatism are essential to overcoming challenges.
Photo caption: He Lingzhi, President of ACIEN, delivers a speech at the event.
He Lingzhi, President of ACIEN and General Manager of China Southern Airlines Amsterdam Sales Office, believes that China and the Netherlands possess highly complementary strengths in multiple sectors including green energy, clean technology, life sciences, smart manufacturing, digital economy, agriculture and food, as well as port and shipping logistics. Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries faces broader prospects for development.
Photo caption: The Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) delivers remarks at the event.
Liu Jiandong, the Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) and Chairman of Bank of China (Europe) SA, suggested that China and the Netherlands continue leveraging their respective strengths to further expand cooperation in areas such as green and low-carbon development, digital innovation, and logistics supply chains.
Photo caption: Monique Knapen, President of the Netherlands-China Association (VNC), delivers a speech at the event.
Participants also noted that as the world undergoes accelerated transformation in a century, the international economic and trade order faces severe challenges, and China-Netherlands economic and trade development confronts new issues. Monique Knapen, President of the Vereniging Nederland China (VNC), stated that Europe stands at a critical crossroads, where maintaining economic influence and upholding balance will test the wisdom of decision-makers.
Photo caption: Jochum Haakma, Chairman of the Netherlands China Business Council (NCBC), delivers a speech at the event.
Jochum Haakma, Chairman of the Netherlands China Business Council, stated that China possesses sustained development plans and blueprints, long-term social stability, and rapid economic growth. Its vast market, robust innovation capabilities, and comprehensive manufacturing capacity present tremendous development opportunities for the Netherlands and all of Europe.
Participants unanimously agreed that China’s recently adopted proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan present new opportunities for China-Netherlands economic and trade relations.
Photo caption: Several Chinese and Dutch companies conducted business presentations at the celebration event that day.
ACIEN was established in 2005 and comprises Chinese enterprises and institutions operating in the Netherlands. It currently has over 130 members. (Xinhua News Agency, reporter Shao Haijun)