China and EU business leaders hold fourth roundtable dialogue in Brussels

The China Chamber of Commerce to the EU and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China jointly hosted the fourth China-EU business leaders' roundtable dialogue in Brussels on Wednesday, focusing on new opportunities in shaping the next 50 years of China-EU economic and trade cooperation.

Having gathered around 80 senior representatives from about 50 companies and institutions across finance, logistics, energy, manufacturing, technology, law and consulting, the meeting aimed to explore how the two major markets can unlock fresh cooperation potential, while building a more stable and mutually beneficial China-EU economic relationship.

In a keynote speech, Suo Peng, Minister of the Chinese Mission to the EU, said that the essence of China-EU trade relations lies in complementarity and mutual benefit. He stressed that both sides should strive for a dynamic balance in development, noting that their industries are increasingly integrated and have broad prospects for cooperation.

Marco Chirullo, Acting Head of Unit responsible for trade relations with Far East Asia, said at the meeting that the value of EU-China economic ties depends on moving toward "a more balanced and reciprocal future." He emphasized the importance of a rules-based level playing field — especially in market access and services trade.

Liu Jiandong, Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU and Chairman of Bank of China (Europe), said future cooperation is entering a "new space" shaped by technological innovation, sustainable development and evolving global trade patterns.

Jens Eskelund, President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and Chief Representative for North Asia at Maersk, highlighted the long-standing productive cooperation between the two sides. He called for joint efforts to establish a fair and predictable business environment to drive the next 50 years of growth.