Qianhai – Building bridges between Europe and GBA

Qianhai, perhaps more than any other place, embodies the spirit of our century: open, connected, intelligent, and forward-looking.

Representatives at a roundtable discussion session at the economic and trade cooperation promotion event between Qianhai and Brussles held in Brussels, Belgium on Nov. 4. Photos by Xinhua

A high-level delegation from Qianhai, Shenzhen, led by Mr Wang Shourui, Director General of the Qianhai Authority, visited Brussels this week to strengthen cooperation with Europe and explore new opportunities for partnership between the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the European continent. The event was co-hosted by the Qianhai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and ChinaEU, with the support of Agoria, Belgium’s leading technology federation.

Located on the western shore of Shenzhen and facing Hong Kong, Qianhai serves as a living gateway between the Chinese mainland and the world — between industry and innovation, between policy and creativity.

“What makes Qianhai truly exceptional is its ability to turn openness into innovation,” said Luigi Gambardella, President of ChinaEU. “Within this dynamic ecosystem, three complementary systems coexist and interact in perfect harmony: Shenzhen’s entrepreneurial and manufacturing strength, Hong Kong’s global legal and financial expertise, and the mainland’s regulatory flexibility. Together, they have transformed Qianhai into one of the most vibrant platforms for cross-border business and technological collaboration anywhere in the world — a model of how integration and innovation can reinforce each other, turning diversity into strength.”

Representatives sign a memorandum of understanding at the event. 

For Europe, Qianhai represents not only a destination but also a strategic opportunity. It offers European enterprises and regional clusters a ready-made gateway to China, supported by policy incentives, modern infrastructure, and tailored services designed to facilitate international expansion and cross-border cooperation.

“With its openness, advanced infrastructure, and strong commitment to international collaboration, Qianhai has all the potential to become the European hub for regions and companies across the continent,” Gambardella added. “It is a central platform where European innovation, technology, and sustainable development can meet China’s scale, speed, and entrepreneurial energy.”

Here in Brussels, the capital of Europe, Belgian and European companies are uniquely positioned to seize this opportunity — transforming Europe’s creativity, sustainability, and technological excellence into concrete partnerships with Shenzhen and the wider GBA.

“At a time when global cooperation faces growing challenges, Qianhai reminds us that bridges matter more than borders,” Gambardella concluded. “Europe and China share a common responsibility: to foster a model of growth that is intelligent, sustainable, and human-centred.”

The Qianhai–Europe Cooperation Dialogue marks only the beginning of a deeper partnership — one founded on mutual trust, shared innovation, and tangible results for both sides.