Event Recap: New EU Commission: Impact on EU-China Business Perspectives

February 24, 2025

Author: Shanghai BenCham

On February 20, the Benelux Chamber of Commerce hosted the EU-China Business Perspectives Seminar in Shanghai, providing a platform for industry leaders to discuss the current challenges and future opportunities in EU-China trade relations. The event covered key topics such as derisking strategies, economic resilience, supply chain challenges, and evolving regulations affecting European businesses operating in China.

The seminar began with an insightful presentation by Michaël de Boer, Trade Affairs Manager at the EU Delegation to China, who outlined the shifting dynamics of EU-China trade.

A panel discussion, moderated by Philippe Snel (DaWo Law Firm Shanghai), brought together experts from key industries to share practical insights on navigating the evolving trade landscape: ALEXANDRE MOREAU of UCB, Guillaume Mallet from System in Motion, Dieter Verstreken of MELEXIS, and Marko Ruotsala from Wärtsilä. Together, they shared their experiences and provided valuable insights into how businesses can adapt to the challenges while strengthening their connections and opportunities in both regions. The discussion underscored the importance of long-term strategic planning for companies seeking to maintain resilience in a rapidly changing environment.

We are also grateful to our collaborating Chambers: The Finnish Chamber of Commerce in China, Swedish Chamber of Commerce in China, SwissCham China, MayCham China, Argentinian Shanghai Chamber of Commerce, and the Indian Association China for their support in making this event a success.

With such a diverse group of co-hosts, the seminar truly underscored the global importance of these discussions and the broad international interest in EU-China trade relations. EU unity was certainly present in the room!