Economics and business
Cultural exchange has long been central to the VNC. However, increasing economic interdependence coupled with changing geopolitical realities call for a more active approach to economic relations between the Netherlands and China.
The VNC focuses on mediating between Chinese and Dutch parties that aim to strengthen economic ties and stimulate mutual economic growth.
But the VNC does more. The association actively strengthens its relations with other parties at the interface of Dutch and Chinese business interests, such as with economic development teams of embassies and ministries in the Netherlands and abroad, with industry or employer organizations and other parties that also focus on promoting economic relations between the Netherlands and China. These can be Dutch, Chinese but also other international organizations.
Furthermore, we see the goal of spreading knowledge about China’s economy and its business community.
If you have an interesting economy-related or business topic or event, please contact us at info@vnc-china.nl
ChinaNow+
Cybersecurity, China and the Price of European Self-Reliance
Reporting from Shanghai, Yereth Jansen analyzes the debat surrounding the revision of the European Cybersecurity Act. A report by the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU and KPMG warns of hundreds of billions of euros in costs if Chinese suppliers are banned from European critical infrastructure. But the real
Three strong assets; ASML, the AI Act and Mistral; Is Europe taking a third path within the AI rivalry between the US and China?
by Vici Gao Since I moved to the Netherlands, I have noticed something strange. People here rarely talk about AI in the way they do in Silicon Valley. There is no wave of AI base model start-ups, no local OpenAI. In the cafes of Eindhoven, people still talk about football,
‘Neijuan’ or ‘Involution’, What is it Really?
The underreported dark side of China’s economic growth by Aldo Spaanjaars China’s economic success story has a downside that until recently remained underreported. Under the banner of neijuan (内卷)– literally ‘involution’ – a paradoxical crisis is unfolding: despite enormous innovative power and capital, price wars and overcapacity are eroding profitability
BenCham Canton Fair Survey. Are you visiting the Canton Fair?
Our partner, The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China, is exploring the possibility of organising a Benelux delegation visit to the Canton Fair in October 2026 and has launched a survey to understand the interest and needs of potential participants. The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China acts as a
Navigating China’s Foreign Investment System
by Richard van Ostende In an earlier article, Richard van Ostende paid attention to to the new criteria by which products are classified as ‘domestic’ in public tenders in China. (See: https://www.vnc-china.nl/nieuwe-aanbestedingsregels-bieden-nieuwe-kansen/ In this second contribution, he dives deeper into China’s foreign investment policy and guides us step by step
China’s export machine at full throttle: “We should be happy if it remains just a trade war.”
by: Lotte Bakker During the last China Café on June 8, 2026 at the Stadsbrasserie de Utrechter, economist and China expert Heleen Mees was a guest. She provided a clear and occasionally alarming picture of how China, following the bursting of the real estate bubble in 2021, consciously chose to
New Procurement Rules Offer New Opportunities
By Richard van Ostende The introduction of uniform national standards for ‘domestic products’ within Chinese government procurement as of January 1, 2026 marks an significant policy shift for foreign companies operating in China. With the new framework, the Chinese government creates greater clarity regarding the criteria used to classify products
VNC Engaged in Talks with the House of Representatives on China Knowledge Agenda
On behalf of the Netherlands China Association (VNC), Chair Monique Knapen, alongside VNC members Robert van Kan and Frank Yang, recently held talks with members of the House of Representatives involved in the China committee within the standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. Through these discussions, the VNC aims to contribute
China Café South: Robots Uncovered – What’s Real, What’s Hype in Europe and China?
Where does robotics really stand today? Which applications are already commercially relevant and: where are expectations perhaps still a bit far ahead of reality? These questions and more were central to the China Café South, in Eindhoven. The evening brought together two complementary perspectives. Jos Elfring, assistant professor of Robotics
