BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//VNC | Vereniging Nederland China - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:VNC | Vereniging Nederland China X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/ X-WR-CALDESC:Events for VNC | Vereniging Nederland China REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Amsterdam BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261011T080000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261025T170000 DTSTAMP:20260326T175757Z CREATED:20260126T135528Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T175757Z UID:10000169-1791705600-1792947600@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Unique VNC Group Tour through China with the theme Healthy Living DESCRIPTION:Eindhoven\, 8 October 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is China still a market full of opportunities for Benelux companies? This question brought forty participants together on October 8 at China Café Zuid in Eindhoven. The evening presented a surprisingly positive picture of doing business in China\, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of increasing competition\, geopolitical tensions and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The event\, organized by the Netherlands-China Association (VNC) in close cooperation with the Benelux Chamber of Commerce\, was hosted and moderated by Lianne Baaij. It brought together perspectives from business\, finance and diplomacy\, with contributions from Jonathan Xu (Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China)\, Brian Blömer (MSA Advisory Asia)\, Mr. Yuan Jin (Economic and Commercial Attaché at the Chinese Embassy) and Mathijs de Boer (Rabobank). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA more positive outlook than expected\n\n\nBrian Blömer presented the most recent findings of the Sino Benelux Business Survey\, conducted by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China in collaboration with MSA Advisory Asia. Based on responses from around 120 companies\, the study showed an improving business environment for Benelux companies operating in China. \n\n\nIn 2025\, 80% of respondents reported profits\, while 52% achieved revenue growth of more than 5%. China also remains strategically important\, with 94% of respondents considering the country a top-3 market or as important as their other major markets. \n\n\nPerhaps even more striking was the decline in the number of companies considering moving operations out of China: from 41% to 21%. \n\n\nHowever\, challenges remain. Fierce competition from Chinese companies\, concerns about a level playing field\, tax and compliance requirements\, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence business decisions. \n\n\nThe general conclusion? Benelux companies are cautiously optimistic. Instead of leaving China\, they are adjusting their strategies. \n\n\nThe Chinese perspective: dialogue and mutual trust\n\n\nMr. Yuan Jin welcomed the relatively positive conclusions of the study. Notably\, he noted that Chinese companies operating in Europe have similar concerns about uncertainty\, regulation and geopolitical tensions\, while sticking to their long-term commitment to the European market. \n\n\nHe acknowledged that the Chinese business environment is not perfect and that foreign companies sometimes experience differences between national policies and their local implementation. According to Mr. Jin is working with the Chinese government to address these issues through dialogue with foreign enterprises and initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate. \n\n\nThe discussion also covered sensitive issues such as fair competition\, trade imbalances and overcapacity in industry. While acknowledging the differences between the European and Chinese perspectives\, Mr. Jin the importance of continued negotiations\, mutual trust and a willingness to listen to each other’s concerns. \n\n\nWhen asked what he would advise a Dutch company that was hesitant to enter China due to geopolitical tensions\, his first answer brought a smile from the audience: he would invite them to dinner. Behind the humor was a serious message: business decisions should also be based on long-term commercial opportunities\, and not just on geopolitical uncertainty. \n\n\nAdaptation instead of withdrawal\n\n\nThe panel discussion explored what the research results mean in practice. \n\n\nRabobank’s Mathijs de Boer explained that companies are increasingly adopting a China Plus One strategy: they maintain their presence in China\, while at the same time expanding into other Asian markets to spread risk. However\, moving production is not as easy as it seems. China’s highly developed supply chains\, skilled workforce\, and technological capabilities are difficult to replicate elsewhere. \n\n\nJonathan Xu emphasized the importance of localization. Companies that invested early in local teams\, local decision-making\, and a deeper understanding of the Chinese market are often better positioned to respond to change. \n\n\nSpeed was another recurring theme. Brian Blömer noted that Chinese companies are particularly strong in technology\, innovation and rapid decision-making. European companies need to become more agile if they want to remain competitive. \n\n\nAt the same time\, European companies continue to offer important assets\, including specialised knowledge\, cutting-edge technology\, design and international cooperation. \n\n\nOpportunities for those who offer added value\n\n\nLooking ahead\, the message was clear: China is no longer just a cheap manufacturing location. It has become a market where innovation\, research and development\, and technological cooperation play an increasingly important role. \n\n\nOpportunities continue to exist in sectors such as healthcare\, agriculture\, food technology\, and advanced manufacturing. But entering the Chinese market requires careful preparation\, a clear strategy and\, above all\, a real understanding of where a company can add value. \n\n\nAs Mathijs de Boer emphasized\, companies considering China should do their research\, surround themselves with expert partners\, and determine what makes their offering relevant to the Chinese market. \n\n\nThe main conclusion of the evening was that China remains a market with significant opportunities\, but that success increasingly depends on flexibility\, localization\, speed and willingness to cooperate. \n\n\nThe event ended with informal networking\, where participants were given the opportunity to continue the conversation over Chinese snacks provided by St Anny Food\, the sponsor of China Café Zuid. URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/unique-vnc-group-tour-through-china-with-the-theme-healthy-living/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/China-Briefing-chinas-fitness-industry.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261019T153000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261019T180000 DTSTAMP:20260930T133216Z CREATED:20260930T125652Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T133216Z UID:10000285-1792423800-1792432800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Netherlands China Design Symposium at the DDW DESCRIPTION:Eindhoven\, 8 October 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is China still a market full of opportunities for Benelux companies? This question brought forty participants together on October 8 at China Café Zuid in Eindhoven. The evening presented a surprisingly positive picture of doing business in China\, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of increasing competition\, geopolitical tensions and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The event\, organized by the Netherlands-China Association (VNC) in close cooperation with the Benelux Chamber of Commerce\, was hosted and moderated by Lianne Baaij. It brought together perspectives from business\, finance and diplomacy\, with contributions from Jonathan Xu (Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China)\, Brian Blömer (MSA Advisory Asia)\, Mr. Yuan Jin (Economic and Commercial Attaché at the Chinese Embassy) and Mathijs de Boer (Rabobank). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA more positive outlook than expected\n\n\nBrian Blömer presented the most recent findings of the Sino Benelux Business Survey\, conducted by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China in collaboration with MSA Advisory Asia. Based on responses from around 120 companies\, the study showed an improving business environment for Benelux companies operating in China. \n\n\nIn 2025\, 80% of respondents reported profits\, while 52% achieved revenue growth of more than 5%. China also remains strategically important\, with 94% of respondents considering the country a top-3 market or as important as their other major markets. \n\n\nPerhaps even more striking was the decline in the number of companies considering moving operations out of China: from 41% to 21%. \n\n\nHowever\, challenges remain. Fierce competition from Chinese companies\, concerns about a level playing field\, tax and compliance requirements\, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence business decisions. \n\n\nThe general conclusion? Benelux companies are cautiously optimistic. Instead of leaving China\, they are adjusting their strategies. \n\n\nThe Chinese perspective: dialogue and mutual trust\n\n\nMr. Yuan Jin welcomed the relatively positive conclusions of the study. Notably\, he noted that Chinese companies operating in Europe have similar concerns about uncertainty\, regulation and geopolitical tensions\, while sticking to their long-term commitment to the European market. \n\n\nHe acknowledged that the Chinese business environment is not perfect and that foreign companies sometimes experience differences between national policies and their local implementation. According to Mr. Jin is working with the Chinese government to address these issues through dialogue with foreign enterprises and initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate. \n\n\nThe discussion also covered sensitive issues such as fair competition\, trade imbalances and overcapacity in industry. While acknowledging the differences between the European and Chinese perspectives\, Mr. Jin the importance of continued negotiations\, mutual trust and a willingness to listen to each other’s concerns. \n\n\nWhen asked what he would advise a Dutch company that was hesitant to enter China due to geopolitical tensions\, his first answer brought a smile from the audience: he would invite them to dinner. Behind the humor was a serious message: business decisions should also be based on long-term commercial opportunities\, and not just on geopolitical uncertainty. \n\n\nAdaptation instead of withdrawal\n\n\nThe panel discussion explored what the research results mean in practice. \n\n\nRabobank’s Mathijs de Boer explained that companies are increasingly adopting a China Plus One strategy: they maintain their presence in China\, while at the same time expanding into other Asian markets to spread risk. However\, moving production is not as easy as it seems. China’s highly developed supply chains\, skilled workforce\, and technological capabilities are difficult to replicate elsewhere. \n\n\nJonathan Xu emphasized the importance of localization. Companies that invested early in local teams\, local decision-making\, and a deeper understanding of the Chinese market are often better positioned to respond to change. \n\n\nSpeed was another recurring theme. Brian Blömer noted that Chinese companies are particularly strong in technology\, innovation and rapid decision-making. European companies need to become more agile if they want to remain competitive. \n\n\nAt the same time\, European companies continue to offer important assets\, including specialised knowledge\, cutting-edge technology\, design and international cooperation. \n\n\nOpportunities for those who offer added value\n\n\nLooking ahead\, the message was clear: China is no longer just a cheap manufacturing location. It has become a market where innovation\, research and development\, and technological cooperation play an increasingly important role. \n\n\nOpportunities continue to exist in sectors such as healthcare\, agriculture\, food technology\, and advanced manufacturing. But entering the Chinese market requires careful preparation\, a clear strategy and\, above all\, a real understanding of where a company can add value. \n\n\nAs Mathijs de Boer emphasized\, companies considering China should do their research\, surround themselves with expert partners\, and determine what makes their offering relevant to the Chinese market. \n\n\nThe main conclusion of the evening was that China remains a market with significant opportunities\, but that success increasingly depends on flexibility\, localization\, speed and willingness to cooperate. \n\n\nThe event ended with informal networking\, where participants were given the opportunity to continue the conversation over Chinese snacks provided by St Anny Food\, the sponsor of China Café Zuid. URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/netherlands-china-design-symposium-at-the-ddw/ LOCATION:Natlab\, Kastanjelaan 500\, Eindhoven\, Netherlands CATEGORIES:Culture and Society,Cultuur en Maatschappij,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/main-poster-nua_1788192765_1920x1080.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261019T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261019T203000 DTSTAMP:20261011T093127Z CREATED:20260921T115435Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261011T093127Z UID:10000289-1792432800-1792441800@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:VNC China Eetclub 14 - Yunnanese dinner DESCRIPTION:Eindhoven\, 8 October 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is China still a market full of opportunities for Benelux companies? This question brought forty participants together on October 8 at China Café Zuid in Eindhoven. The evening presented a surprisingly positive picture of doing business in China\, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of increasing competition\, geopolitical tensions and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The event\, organized by the Netherlands-China Association (VNC) in close cooperation with the Benelux Chamber of Commerce\, was hosted and moderated by Lianne Baaij. It brought together perspectives from business\, finance and diplomacy\, with contributions from Jonathan Xu (Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China)\, Brian Blömer (MSA Advisory Asia)\, Mr. Yuan Jin (Economic and Commercial Attaché at the Chinese Embassy) and Mathijs de Boer (Rabobank). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA more positive outlook than expected\n\n\nBrian Blömer presented the most recent findings of the Sino Benelux Business Survey\, conducted by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China in collaboration with MSA Advisory Asia. Based on responses from around 120 companies\, the study showed an improving business environment for Benelux companies operating in China. \n\n\nIn 2025\, 80% of respondents reported profits\, while 52% achieved revenue growth of more than 5%. China also remains strategically important\, with 94% of respondents considering the country a top-3 market or as important as their other major markets. \n\n\nPerhaps even more striking was the decline in the number of companies considering moving operations out of China: from 41% to 21%. \n\n\nHowever\, challenges remain. Fierce competition from Chinese companies\, concerns about a level playing field\, tax and compliance requirements\, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence business decisions. \n\n\nThe general conclusion? Benelux companies are cautiously optimistic. Instead of leaving China\, they are adjusting their strategies. \n\n\nThe Chinese perspective: dialogue and mutual trust\n\n\nMr. Yuan Jin welcomed the relatively positive conclusions of the study. Notably\, he noted that Chinese companies operating in Europe have similar concerns about uncertainty\, regulation and geopolitical tensions\, while sticking to their long-term commitment to the European market. \n\n\nHe acknowledged that the Chinese business environment is not perfect and that foreign companies sometimes experience differences between national policies and their local implementation. According to Mr. Jin is working with the Chinese government to address these issues through dialogue with foreign enterprises and initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate. \n\n\nThe discussion also covered sensitive issues such as fair competition\, trade imbalances and overcapacity in industry. While acknowledging the differences between the European and Chinese perspectives\, Mr. Jin the importance of continued negotiations\, mutual trust and a willingness to listen to each other’s concerns. \n\n\nWhen asked what he would advise a Dutch company that was hesitant to enter China due to geopolitical tensions\, his first answer brought a smile from the audience: he would invite them to dinner. Behind the humor was a serious message: business decisions should also be based on long-term commercial opportunities\, and not just on geopolitical uncertainty. \n\n\nAdaptation instead of withdrawal\n\n\nThe panel discussion explored what the research results mean in practice. \n\n\nRabobank’s Mathijs de Boer explained that companies are increasingly adopting a China Plus One strategy: they maintain their presence in China\, while at the same time expanding into other Asian markets to spread risk. However\, moving production is not as easy as it seems. China’s highly developed supply chains\, skilled workforce\, and technological capabilities are difficult to replicate elsewhere. \n\n\nJonathan Xu emphasized the importance of localization. Companies that invested early in local teams\, local decision-making\, and a deeper understanding of the Chinese market are often better positioned to respond to change. \n\n\nSpeed was another recurring theme. Brian Blömer noted that Chinese companies are particularly strong in technology\, innovation and rapid decision-making. European companies need to become more agile if they want to remain competitive. \n\n\nAt the same time\, European companies continue to offer important assets\, including specialised knowledge\, cutting-edge technology\, design and international cooperation. \n\n\nOpportunities for those who offer added value\n\n\nLooking ahead\, the message was clear: China is no longer just a cheap manufacturing location. It has become a market where innovation\, research and development\, and technological cooperation play an increasingly important role. \n\n\nOpportunities continue to exist in sectors such as healthcare\, agriculture\, food technology\, and advanced manufacturing. But entering the Chinese market requires careful preparation\, a clear strategy and\, above all\, a real understanding of where a company can add value. \n\n\nAs Mathijs de Boer emphasized\, companies considering China should do their research\, surround themselves with expert partners\, and determine what makes their offering relevant to the Chinese market. \n\n\nThe main conclusion of the evening was that China remains a market with significant opportunities\, but that success increasingly depends on flexibility\, localization\, speed and willingness to cooperate. \n\n\nThe event ended with informal networking\, where participants were given the opportunity to continue the conversation over Chinese snacks provided by St Anny Food\, the sponsor of China Café Zuid. URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/vnc-china-eetclub-14-yunnanese-dinner/ LOCATION:Restaurant Yunnan Food\, Strijpsestraat 81\, Eindhoven CATEGORIES:Art and culture,Culture and Society,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/food-china-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261030T133000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261030T180000 DTSTAMP:20261009T134500Z CREATED:20261008T115129Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T134500Z UID:10000288-1793367000-1793383200@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:From oracle bone to smartphone: 3000 years of Chinese writing DESCRIPTION:Eindhoven\, 8 October 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is China still a market full of opportunities for Benelux companies? This question brought forty participants together on October 8 at China Café Zuid in Eindhoven. The evening presented a surprisingly positive picture of doing business in China\, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of increasing competition\, geopolitical tensions and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The event\, organized by the Netherlands-China Association (VNC) in close cooperation with the Benelux Chamber of Commerce\, was hosted and moderated by Lianne Baaij. It brought together perspectives from business\, finance and diplomacy\, with contributions from Jonathan Xu (Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China)\, Brian Blömer (MSA Advisory Asia)\, Mr. Yuan Jin (Economic and Commercial Attaché at the Chinese Embassy) and Mathijs de Boer (Rabobank). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA more positive outlook than expected\n\n\nBrian Blömer presented the most recent findings of the Sino Benelux Business Survey\, conducted by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China in collaboration with MSA Advisory Asia. Based on responses from around 120 companies\, the study showed an improving business environment for Benelux companies operating in China. \n\n\nIn 2025\, 80% of respondents reported profits\, while 52% achieved revenue growth of more than 5%. China also remains strategically important\, with 94% of respondents considering the country a top-3 market or as important as their other major markets. \n\n\nPerhaps even more striking was the decline in the number of companies considering moving operations out of China: from 41% to 21%. \n\n\nHowever\, challenges remain. Fierce competition from Chinese companies\, concerns about a level playing field\, tax and compliance requirements\, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence business decisions. \n\n\nThe general conclusion? Benelux companies are cautiously optimistic. Instead of leaving China\, they are adjusting their strategies. \n\n\nThe Chinese perspective: dialogue and mutual trust\n\n\nMr. Yuan Jin welcomed the relatively positive conclusions of the study. Notably\, he noted that Chinese companies operating in Europe have similar concerns about uncertainty\, regulation and geopolitical tensions\, while sticking to their long-term commitment to the European market. \n\n\nHe acknowledged that the Chinese business environment is not perfect and that foreign companies sometimes experience differences between national policies and their local implementation. According to Mr. Jin is working with the Chinese government to address these issues through dialogue with foreign enterprises and initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate. \n\n\nThe discussion also covered sensitive issues such as fair competition\, trade imbalances and overcapacity in industry. While acknowledging the differences between the European and Chinese perspectives\, Mr. Jin the importance of continued negotiations\, mutual trust and a willingness to listen to each other’s concerns. \n\n\nWhen asked what he would advise a Dutch company that was hesitant to enter China due to geopolitical tensions\, his first answer brought a smile from the audience: he would invite them to dinner. Behind the humor was a serious message: business decisions should also be based on long-term commercial opportunities\, and not just on geopolitical uncertainty. \n\n\nAdaptation instead of withdrawal\n\n\nThe panel discussion explored what the research results mean in practice. \n\n\nRabobank’s Mathijs de Boer explained that companies are increasingly adopting a China Plus One strategy: they maintain their presence in China\, while at the same time expanding into other Asian markets to spread risk. However\, moving production is not as easy as it seems. China’s highly developed supply chains\, skilled workforce\, and technological capabilities are difficult to replicate elsewhere. \n\n\nJonathan Xu emphasized the importance of localization. Companies that invested early in local teams\, local decision-making\, and a deeper understanding of the Chinese market are often better positioned to respond to change. \n\n\nSpeed was another recurring theme. Brian Blömer noted that Chinese companies are particularly strong in technology\, innovation and rapid decision-making. European companies need to become more agile if they want to remain competitive. \n\n\nAt the same time\, European companies continue to offer important assets\, including specialised knowledge\, cutting-edge technology\, design and international cooperation. \n\n\nOpportunities for those who offer added value\n\n\nLooking ahead\, the message was clear: China is no longer just a cheap manufacturing location. It has become a market where innovation\, research and development\, and technological cooperation play an increasingly important role. \n\n\nOpportunities continue to exist in sectors such as healthcare\, agriculture\, food technology\, and advanced manufacturing. But entering the Chinese market requires careful preparation\, a clear strategy and\, above all\, a real understanding of where a company can add value. \n\n\nAs Mathijs de Boer emphasized\, companies considering China should do their research\, surround themselves with expert partners\, and determine what makes their offering relevant to the Chinese market. \n\n\nThe main conclusion of the evening was that China remains a market with significant opportunities\, but that success increasingly depends on flexibility\, localization\, speed and willingness to cooperate. \n\n\nThe event ended with informal networking\, where participants were given the opportunity to continue the conversation over Chinese snacks provided by St Anny Food\, the sponsor of China Café Zuid. URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/from-oracle-bone-to-smartphone-3000-years-of-chinese-writing/ LOCATION:Universiteit Leiden\, Witte Singel 27A\, Leiden CATEGORIES:Education and science,VNC event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Van-orakelbot-tot-smartphone.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261120T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Amsterdam:20261120T220000 DTSTAMP:20260702T131654Z CREATED:20260702T131654Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260702T131654Z UID:10000283-1795204800-1795212000@www.vnc-china.nl SUMMARY:Lecture World Heritage in China DESCRIPTION:Eindhoven\, 8 October 2026 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Is China still a market full of opportunities for Benelux companies? This question brought forty participants together on October 8 at China Café Zuid in Eindhoven. The evening presented a surprisingly positive picture of doing business in China\, while at the same time focusing on the challenges of increasing competition\, geopolitical tensions and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing market. The event\, organized by the Netherlands-China Association (VNC) in close cooperation with the Benelux Chamber of Commerce\, was hosted and moderated by Lianne Baaij. It brought together perspectives from business\, finance and diplomacy\, with contributions from Jonathan Xu (Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China)\, Brian Blömer (MSA Advisory Asia)\, Mr. Yuan Jin (Economic and Commercial Attaché at the Chinese Embassy) and Mathijs de Boer (Rabobank). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \nA more positive outlook than expected\n\n\nBrian Blömer presented the most recent findings of the Sino Benelux Business Survey\, conducted by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in China in collaboration with MSA Advisory Asia. Based on responses from around 120 companies\, the study showed an improving business environment for Benelux companies operating in China. \n\n\nIn 2025\, 80% of respondents reported profits\, while 52% achieved revenue growth of more than 5%. China also remains strategically important\, with 94% of respondents considering the country a top-3 market or as important as their other major markets. \n\n\nPerhaps even more striking was the decline in the number of companies considering moving operations out of China: from 41% to 21%. \n\n\nHowever\, challenges remain. Fierce competition from Chinese companies\, concerns about a level playing field\, tax and compliance requirements\, and geopolitical uncertainty continue to influence business decisions. \n\n\nThe general conclusion? Benelux companies are cautiously optimistic. Instead of leaving China\, they are adjusting their strategies. \n\n\nThe Chinese perspective: dialogue and mutual trust\n\n\nMr. Yuan Jin welcomed the relatively positive conclusions of the study. Notably\, he noted that Chinese companies operating in Europe have similar concerns about uncertainty\, regulation and geopolitical tensions\, while sticking to their long-term commitment to the European market. \n\n\nHe acknowledged that the Chinese business environment is not perfect and that foreign companies sometimes experience differences between national policies and their local implementation. According to Mr. Jin is working with the Chinese government to address these issues through dialogue with foreign enterprises and initiatives aimed at improving the investment climate. \n\n\nThe discussion also covered sensitive issues such as fair competition\, trade imbalances and overcapacity in industry. While acknowledging the differences between the European and Chinese perspectives\, Mr. Jin the importance of continued negotiations\, mutual trust and a willingness to listen to each other’s concerns. \n\n\nWhen asked what he would advise a Dutch company that was hesitant to enter China due to geopolitical tensions\, his first answer brought a smile from the audience: he would invite them to dinner. Behind the humor was a serious message: business decisions should also be based on long-term commercial opportunities\, and not just on geopolitical uncertainty. \n\n\nAdaptation instead of withdrawal\n\n\nThe panel discussion explored what the research results mean in practice. \n\n\nRabobank’s Mathijs de Boer explained that companies are increasingly adopting a China Plus One strategy: they maintain their presence in China\, while at the same time expanding into other Asian markets to spread risk. However\, moving production is not as easy as it seems. China’s highly developed supply chains\, skilled workforce\, and technological capabilities are difficult to replicate elsewhere. \n\n\nJonathan Xu emphasized the importance of localization. Companies that invested early in local teams\, local decision-making\, and a deeper understanding of the Chinese market are often better positioned to respond to change. \n\n\nSpeed was another recurring theme. Brian Blömer noted that Chinese companies are particularly strong in technology\, innovation and rapid decision-making. European companies need to become more agile if they want to remain competitive. \n\n\nAt the same time\, European companies continue to offer important assets\, including specialised knowledge\, cutting-edge technology\, design and international cooperation. \n\n\nOpportunities for those who offer added value\n\n\nLooking ahead\, the message was clear: China is no longer just a cheap manufacturing location. It has become a market where innovation\, research and development\, and technological cooperation play an increasingly important role. \n\n\nOpportunities continue to exist in sectors such as healthcare\, agriculture\, food technology\, and advanced manufacturing. But entering the Chinese market requires careful preparation\, a clear strategy and\, above all\, a real understanding of where a company can add value. \n\n\nAs Mathijs de Boer emphasized\, companies considering China should do their research\, surround themselves with expert partners\, and determine what makes their offering relevant to the Chinese market. \n\n\nThe main conclusion of the evening was that China remains a market with significant opportunities\, but that success increasingly depends on flexibility\, localization\, speed and willingness to cooperate. \n\n\nThe event ended with informal networking\, where participants were given the opportunity to continue the conversation over Chinese snacks provided by St Anny Food\, the sponsor of China Café Zuid. URL:https://www.vnc-china.nl/en/event/lecture-world-heritage-in-china/ LOCATION:Volksuniversiteit Lisse\, Vuursteeglaan 9\, Lisse\, Zuid-Holland\, 2161 GD\, Nederland CATEGORIES:Cultuur en Maatschappij,Partner ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.vnc-china.nl/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_20200612_182304_849-PEST2K.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR