Stronger Together: Celebrating 20 Years of ACIEN and 50 Years of EU–China Relations.
On 27 November 2025, nearly 200 guests gathered at the Steigenberger Airport Hotel at Schiphol for the annual China Network Event, co-organised by VNC, ACIEN, and NCBC. The evening marked two major milestones:
The programme unfolded in two parts, beginning with company introductions and presentations. VNC board member
- A case for a new model of cooperation
Aldo Spaanjaars, Owner of Dragon Strategies, author of Dragon Tactics, and VNC Board Member - ESG Risks and Opportunities in Chinese Companies’ Expansion into Europe
Charbel Moussa, partner KPMG - From Street to the Star: A New Smart and Green Solution for Urban Transportation
Qinlink Logistics
The second part of the event featured a series of VIP speeches and keynote contributions.
Opening remarks were given by Mr. Pan Zhi (ACIEN Secretary General), followed by welcome speeches from:
- Mr. HE Lingzhi , ACIEN Chairman
- Mrs. Monique Knapen, VNC Chairwoman
- Mr. Jochum Haakma , NCBC Chairman
Keynotes were delivered by:
- Mr. Erwin Nijsse , Director-General for Business & Innovation, Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs
- Mr. Jin Yuan , Commercial Counsellor, Chinese Embassy
- Mr. Liu Jiandong , Chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU) and Chairman of Bank of China (Europe) S.A.
A festive highlight was the celebration of the ACIEN Football Team, now supported by Bridge Football Club, the owner of FC Den Bosch. The evening continued with an anniversary cake-cutting ceremony and a lively group photo session.
Guests concluded the night with a networking dinner featuring a great buffet — and Chinese baijiu to toast the occasion.
In a challenging geopolitical environment, speakers emphasised a shared message:
finding ways to work together remains essential.
