China-Belgium Investment Fund Marks 20 Years of Cross-Border Success
A Milestone Celebration at the Belgian Consulate in Shanghai
On May 13, the China-Belgium Direct Equity Investment Fund (CBDEIF) commemorated its 20th anniversary with an exclusive reception at the Belgian Consulate General in Shanghai. The event brought together leaders from business, government, and industry to celebrate two decades of cross-border economic cooperation and shared growth.
Prominent attendees included Mr. Pascal Buffin, Consul General of Belgium in Shanghai; Mr. Koen Van Loo, CEO of the Belgian Federal Holding and Investment Company (SFPI-FPIM); Mr. Bao Zhenbin, Chairman of CBDEIF; and Mr. Rik Daems, former Belgian Minister and Vice Chairman of the Fund. Representatives from Guotai Junan Securities, HFG (Hai Fu Group), and key Belgian-backed projects such as InnoScience (02577.HK) and Leuven Instruments were also present.
Strengthening Sino-Belgian Ties
In his opening remarks, Consul General Pascal Buffin praised the China-Belgium Fund's pivotal role in enhancing bilateral trade relations. He highlighted Belgium's ongoing commitment to Sino-Belgian cooperation, describing the Fund as a vital bridge connecting both economies.
Former Belgian Minister and Vice Chairman Rik Daems echoed these sentiments, recognizing the Fund's strategic contributions over the past two decades. “The China-Belgium Fund exemplifies what long-term vision and partnership can achieve,” Daems noted, expressing optimism for deeper industrial and capital cooperation in the years ahead.
A Platform for Capital and Industrial Synergy
Chairman Bao Zhenbin reflected on the Fund's evolution since its inception in 2004, emphasizing its role in fostering industrial collaboration and capital connectivity between China and Belgium. “Our success is measured not only by financial returns but by the deep trust and cooperation we've built between our nations,” Bao stated. He reaffirmed the Fund's mission to drive high-quality, mutually beneficial projects amidst global economic challenges.
Guotai Junan Securities’ Business Director Zhang Xiangyang described the Fund as a trailblazer in Sino-Belgian economic collaboration. He pledged Guotai Junan’s continued support for the Fund's initiatives, stressing the importance of professional, full-spectrum financial services to enhance cross-border cooperation.
Showcasing Success Stories
The reception featured presentations by HFG, the Fund’s management company, as well as successful Belgian investment projects InnoScience and Leuven Instruments. Their groundbreaking contributions to technology and advanced manufacturing were highlighted as key examples of effective international cooperation.
Additionally, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce provided insights into the economic landscape of the Benelux region, further illustrating the potential for growth and collaboration with China.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
The evening concluded with a garden dinner, where Koen Van Loo of SFPI-FPIM and Zhang Junyu, Chairman of HFG, delivered closing remarks. Van Loo reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to supporting the Fund’s growth, while Zhang emphasized HFG’s dedication to leveraging advanced manufacturing to drive international expansion for both Chinese and Belgian enterprises.
The 20th anniversary celebration served not only as a reflection on past achievements but as a clear statement of intent—an enduring partnership focused on mutual growth, innovation, and strengthened economic ties between China and Belgium.
