Growing Sino-Belgian ties good for business

The growing Belgian presence and interest in China will contribute to a better understanding of companies from two countries to explore the untapped potential, according to top Belgian officials on Monday.

"As uncertainties are growing internationally, new challenges are emerging. But it also means new opportunities, as Belgium wants to consolidate its ties with China," said Belgian Princess Astrid.

"We are here to help Belgian businesses to learn better about the revolutions and changes of China’s vast economy," Princess Astrid said.

She made the remarks at a grand reception as a Belgian economic mission officially started to visit China from Monday. Over 40 official and commercial agreements between Belgian and Chinese partners are expected to be signed during this visit.

Another objective of our presence is for China to discover Belgium. Belgium is at the heart of Europe, and therefore the best gateway to the European market, she added.

With 632 participants that also include 465 business representatives, the economic mission is said to be the largest in Belgian history, covering a variety of sectors including life sciences, food and beverage, luxury, lifestyle as well as clean tech.

"With a delegation of such a scale, Belgium clearly shows its commitment to consolidate and further develop this long-existing partnership, built on continuity, on a large number of concrete projects, on creativity and vision, always in good faith, via respectful communication and with increased credibility," said Marc Vinck, the Belgian ambassador to China.

"This growing Belgian presence and interest in China will contribute to a better understanding of China and will help to develop the right strategy to meet the challenges but also the huge opportunities of doing business in and with the country," he added.