West Flanders and Zhejiang Celebrate 25-Year Partnership
On October 22, 2025, the Province of West Flanders and Zhejiang Province celebrated 25 years of partnership during a grand ceremony at the Provincial Court in Bruges, attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium, representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium and the Mission of China to the EU, as well as government officials, academics, and business representatives from both sides.
What began in 2000 as a symbolic friendship agreement has evolved over a quarter of a century into a vibrant partnership linking economy, education, technology, and culture. The anniversary celebration highlighted the tangible results of this collaboration and looked ahead to an even deeper engagement between the two regions.
A Quarter Century of Exchange and Innovation
In his opening remarks, Governor Carl Decaluwé emphasized that the partnership between West Flanders and Zhejiang demonstrates how regional diplomacy can generate real societal and economic impact.
“In times of geopolitical uncertainty, this partnership provides stability, trust, and a shared commitment to exchange knowledge and foster innovation,” he said.
Vice Governor Li Yanyi of Zhejiang echoed this sentiment, highlighting the enduring friendship and shared vision for open, innovative, and mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides agreed to continue expanding collaboration in areas such as green technology, digital economy, and sustainable development, injecting new momentum into China–Belgium local partnerships.
The event also featured the premiere of a documentary titled “Bridge Builders Through Rain and Shine,” produced to commemorate the 25th anniversary. It vividly portrayed the journey of collaboration since 2000 and the strong ties that unite both regions. The Zhejiang Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble concluded the evening with a special performance titled “Poetic Zhejiang, Melodic Jiangnan,” blending Chinese and Belgian classics in a moving tribute to cultural exchange.
VIVES: A Key Bridge Between West Flanders and Zhejiang
Within this long-standing partnership, VIVES University of Applied Sciences has played a pioneering role in fostering educational and research cooperation. Supported by the Province of West Flanders, more than 3,500 students from regional knowledge institutions have participated in exchange programs with Zhejiang over the years.
At VIVES, this collaboration has taken many forms:
- Online and in-person exchange programs in nursing
- Student and staff mobility between VIVES and partner institutions in Zhejiang
- Applied research on circular economy and sustainable innovation
- Triannual study trips for students from Technology, Business, and Healthcare programs
Currently, a group of 25 students and two professors from the Healthcare program are in China for an intensive field trip involving company visits and practical training. Their experiences can be followed on Instagram at @studiereis.china.vives.
In March 2026, another 200 students from the Business and Technology departments will travel to China for study programs focusing on international business and construction technology.
New Agreements for a Future-Oriented Partnership
During an innovation mission to Zhejiang in May 2025, led by Governor Decaluwé, VIVES signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, strengthening cooperation in innovation, research, and student exchange.
A second agreement was signed during the Bruges anniversary celebration, this time with COSCO Shipping Zeebrugge, creating valuable internship and learning opportunities for students in Supply Chain Management. These programs will allow students to experience international logistics at a world-class level.
“With these agreements, we are not only strengthening our ties with Zhejiang but also preparing our students for the world of tomorrow: one built on cooperation, understanding, and global engagement,” said Kathy Dewitte, General Director of VIVES.
As both provinces look toward the future, their partnership continues to stand as a model of regional diplomacy, educational collaboration, and cultural exchange, setting the stage for the next 25 years of innovation and friendship between Zhejiang and West Flanders.
Howest: Launching Europe’s First “Silk Road School”
Earlier this year, in May 2025, Howest University of Applied Sciences also deepened its partnership with Zhejiang through the creation of the first “Silk Road School” in Europe, in collaboration with Zhejiang Gongshang University.
Inspired by the historic Silk Road, this initiative combines language learning, cultural exchange, and professional training. The program offers students the opportunity to gain work experience with Chinese companies operating in Belgium, such as COSCO Shipping Ports in Ningbo and Zeebrugge.
According to Frederik D’Hulster, General Director of Howest, the school aims to facilitate “a two-way exchange of expertise,” allowing students from both countries to collaborate within the same international companies while being guided by their respective universities. This forward-looking model demonstrates how Flemish and Chinese institutions can jointly prepare students for a globalized economy.
Looking Ahead
As both VIVES and Howest continue to expand their partnerships in Zhejiang, the collaboration between West Flanders and Zhejiang Province stands as a model of regional diplomacy and innovation in education. Together, these initiatives are equipping a new generation of students with the skills and global mindset to build sustainable connections between Europe and China.