Experts focus on China-EU cooperation at Qianhai forum

More than 500 attendees, including domestic and overseas experts and entrepreneurs, gathered at the China-EU Economic Cooperation Forum at the Qianhai International Convention Center on Jan. 11 to discuss the future prospects and opportunities for China-EU cooperation.

As part of the 9th Shenzhen Entrepreneurs Gala and the 20th Anniversary of the Chinese Entrepreneur Club, the forum centered on “Investing in Shenzhen, Expanding to Europe,” exploring two-way investment and cooperation paths across strategic emerging industries such as new energy, fintech, life sciences and healthcare, cultural tourism, and the digital economy.

More than 500 attendees gathered at the China-EU Economic Cooperation Forum at the Qianhai International Convention Center on Jan. 11. Photos by Chang Zhipeng

In his remarks, Zhuang Lixiang, founding president of the Federation of Shenzhen Commerce, emphasized that China-EU cooperation has moved beyond simple trade and entered a new phase of mutual technological learning and industrial-chain collaboration.

“Through a series of two-way interactions — bringing technologies in and going out — we not only help Chinese and European companies learn from each other and share markets, but also, through collaborative innovation across the industrial chain, foster new productive capacities and generate significant economic gains for both sides,” Zhuang said.

From a policy perspective, Sven Otto Littorin, former president of the EU Council of Ministers, said: “The EU and China have deeply aligned economic interests in areas such as artificial intelligence, new energy and sustainable technologies. Both sides should jointly promote global economic recovery through open cooperation.”

He recommended establishing a regular industrial-policy dialogue, removing barriers to mutual recognition of standards and market access, and accelerating cross-border commercialization of technological achievements.

Sean Zheng, chairman of EMPTECH, shared insights on using digital identity technologies to promote China-EU cooperation, and other experts offered perspectives from multiple angles.

China Customs data show that from January to November 2025, China-Europe trade totaled US$749.34 billion, up 4.6% year on year, and Shenzhen is emerging as a key hub for China-EU ties. In 2025, China-Europe freight trains from Shenzhen operated 202 export services, a 49.6% year-on-year increase, carrying cargo valued at 6.87 billion yuan to 47 countries and regions — underscoring the close links between “Shenzhen-made” products and European markets.

Five international guests discuss prospects for cooperation between European and Chinese markets at the forum.

Thanks to its dense innovation ecosystem, Shenzhen has become both a proving ground and a launch pad for firms heading to Europe.

From January to November 2025, Shenzhen’s imports and exports with the EU totaled 589.35 billion yuan, up 4.7% year on year, with exports of the “new three products” — lithium batteries, electric vehicles and photovoltaic products — surging 31.2% year on year.

As globalization enters deeper waters, the forum charted a path for China-EU companies to advance in tandem while injecting Chinese insight and momentum into the global economic recovery.