Date: December 19, 2024
Location: Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, The Hague, Netherlands
On December 19, 2024, the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands successfully hosted a special event in The Hague to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the open and pragmatic comprehensive partnership between China and the Netherlands. Over 200 attendees, including government officials, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various sectors in both countries, gathered to reflect on the remarkable achievements in bilateral economic and trade cooperation and explore future collaboration opportunities.
Caption: The Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands hosted a special event in The Hague to mark the 10th anniversary of the open and pragmatic comprehensive partnership between China and the Netherlands.
Keynote Speeches and Collaborative Vision
He Lingzhi, President of the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands and General Manager of China Southern Airlines Amsterdam Office, remarked in his address that bilateral economic relations between China and the Netherlands have deepened significantly over the past decade. The trade volume between the two nations has steadily increased, with notable achievements in areas such as food and agriculture, healthcare, and green energy.
He noted: “The number of association members has more than doubled to 120. The localized development of Chinese enterprises not only created numerous job opportunities but also fostered cultural exchanges and integration.” He called for continued adherence to the principles of openness and pragmatism, urging deeper collaboration in innovation and sustainable development to enhance mutual trust through cultural exchanges.
Caption: He Lingzhi, President of the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands, delivers a keynote speech at the event.
His Excellency Tan Jian, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, highlighted in his speech that bilateral trade volume has exceeded $100 billion for four consecutive years. He noted that the Netherlands is not only China’s second-largest trading partner in the EU but also a key investment destination for Chinese enterprises in the region.
Ambassador Tan further emphasized the close cooperation between the two countries in fields such as green technology, sustainable development, and artificial intelligence, which have contributed significantly to addressing global challenges.
He stressed that despite a complex international landscape, there are no fundamental conflicts of interest between China and the Netherlands. He urged both sides to uphold the spirit of openness and pragmatism, deepen cooperation through technological innovation and cultural exchange, and work towards a more stable and sustainable economic partnership. Ambassador Tan also highlighted China’s efforts to optimize its business environment, including new visa-free policies, providing Dutch enterprises with easier access to the Chinese market. He expressed hopes that the Netherlands would create a more equitable and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises.
Caption: Ambassador Tan Jian delivers a keynote speech at the event.
Annet Wieringa, Director of International Projects at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, remarked: “The stability and growth potential of Sino-Dutch economic and trade relations are immense. We hope that more Chinese enterprises will integrate into the Dutch economic ecosystem and collaborate with Dutch businesses to drive innovation and development.”
Caption: Annet Wieringa, Director of International Projects, delivers remarks at the event.
Monique Knapen, Chair of the Vereniging Nederland China (VNC), expressed her confidence in Sino-Dutch cooperation. She acknowledged the challenges posed by global uncertainties but emphasized the growing cultural and business collaboration between the two countries. Knapen highlighted the Netherlands’ role as Europe’s gateway and pledged VNC’s continued efforts to bridge the two nations through cultural and educational initiatives.
Caption: Monique Knapen, Chair of the Vereniging Nederland China, delivers remarks at the event.
Jochum Haakma, Chair of the Netherlands China Business Council (NCBC) and the EU-China Business Association, noted: “Despite the complexities of the current international environment, practical cooperation between Chinese and Dutch enterprises continues to progress steadily.” He stressed the strong complementarities in trade and investment between the two countries, highlighting the Netherlands’ adaptability and flexibility in building stronger economic ties with China. Drawing from the Chinese philosophy of “crisis and opportunity coexist,” Haakma called on enterprises from both nations to jointly face challenges and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Caption: Jochum Haakma, Chair of NCBC and the EU-China Business Association, delivers remarks at the event.
Recognition of Outstanding Contributions
During the event, the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands presented several special awards to recognize organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to Sino-Dutch economic and trade cooperation:
- Outstanding Partner in Sino-Dutch Economic and Trade Cooperation Award: Netherlands China Business Council (NCBC) and Vereniging Nederland China (VNC).
Caption: NCBC and VNC receive the “Outstanding Partner in Sino-Dutch Economic and Trade Cooperation Award.”
- Friend of Sino-Dutch Economic and Trade Cooperation Award: Ms. Dolores van Dongen from EY and Mr. Wiedo Mulder, former Director of Shipping Alliances at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
Caption: Dolores van Dongen (second from left) and Wiedo Mulder (second from right) receive the “Friend of Sino-Dutch Economic and Trade Cooperation Award.”
- Excellence in Sino-Dutch Economic and Trade Cooperation Award: Outstanding Chinese enterprises in the Netherlands that have made significant contributions to bilateral trade and cooperation.
Caption: Group photo of award-winning outstanding Chinese enterprises in the Netherlands.
Looking Ahead
As part of the event, the organizers, in collaboration with the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency and other institutions, hosted a bilateral government-enterprise roundtable and a seminar titled “Towards a Sustainable Future: Sino-Dutch Green Energy Cooperation.” Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on optimizing the business environment for Chinese enterprises and promoting green development.
The 10-year achievements of Sino-Dutch economic relations highlight a promising future for collaboration. The Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands remains committed to advancing bilateral economic and cultural cooperation to build a brighter future together.