Benelux Chamber Kicks Off 2026 with our annual New Year’s Reception!

The Benelux Chamber welcomed 2026 with its first flagship event of the year, hosting a New Year’s Reception that brought together nearly 90 members, partners, and friends at the elegant Upper House Shanghai. The evening marked a vibrant start to the year, offering an opportunity to reflect on achievements, celebrate leadership, and strengthen the Chamber’s growing community.

The reception was officially opened by Chairman Karel Eloot, who introduced the Chamber’s new General Manager, Jonathan Xu, highlighting his professional background and strong ties to the Benelux region. His appointment signals a new chapter for the organization as it continues to expand its role in supporting the Benelux business community in China.

During the evening, the Chamber expressed its sincere appreciation to Deputy General Manager Jian Lu for her outstanding contributions over the past three years. Her leadership played a crucial role in rebuilding and revitalizing the Chamber following the COVID-19 pandemic, with membership growing from approximately 70 members in early 2023 to nearly 222 today.

The event was further enriched by the presence of Mr. Jim Enters, co-founder of the Benelux Chamber nearly 25 years ago. Visiting Shanghai at the time, Mr. Enters joined the reception as a special guest, adding a meaningful historical dimension to the evening. Further updates related to this visit are expected later in the year.

As one of the Benelux Chamber’s four signature events, the New Year’s Reception also served as a platform to warmly welcome new members into the network. KVO Engineering, Jonathan Claesen 江南, HSL Holding, and Kaizen Services Ltd were officially introduced, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic business community.

The Benelux Chamber extends its gratitude to all attendees for making the evening engaging and memorable, and to the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Shanghai for sponsoring the event and supporting the Chamber’s mission.

With renewed energy and a strong sense of community, the Benelux Chamber looks ahead to a promising year in 2026.

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