September 21st, China Café about Responsible Business
Beyond the Mismatch: Building Responsible Business Between Europe and China
What does responsible business mean in Europe and China? While expectations around social and environmental impact are growing in both markets, the underlying priorities can differ significantly. In the EU, the focus is strongly on individual and labour rights, while in China corporate responsibility is more closely linked to broader economic and social development goals.
At this China Café on 21 September, Vera Moll partner at KPMG and Congrui Qiao researcher at China Knowledge Network will use real-life examples to show how these differences can lead to misunderstandings, as well as financial and reputational risks. More importantly, they will explore how companies can navigate these cross-border frictions successfully and turn them into strategic opportunities.
Please note New Location:
Café De Apotheek, Catharijnesingel 57, Utrecht
5-minute walk from Utrecht Central Station. Parking is available at Hoog Catharijne P1
Programme:
17:00 – 17:30 Walk-in with drinks
17:30 – 18:30 Interview with Vera Moll and Congrui Qiao and Q&A
18:30 – 19:00 Networking with drinks and snacks
Language:
The event will be held in English.
Admission:
Free for VNC members
€15 for non-members
€7.50 for students
Tickets are non-refundable but may be transferred to someone else.
About the speaker:
Vera Moll is a Partner in KPMG NLs Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Group. She leads the reporting advisory part of the team that is focused not only on reporting, but also on the broader landscape of Sustainability regulations in Europe. On a daily basis she serves corporate clients navigating this landscape and supporting them in making effective choices that drive and support the ambition and strategic opportunities of a company. Next to this, she heads up the sustainability group of the EU China desk, supporting Chinese companies active in the EU market.
Qiao Cong-rui is a legal researcher and policy advisor specialising in sustainable law and development. She currently serves as Principal Investigator for the Dutch government-funded project, Responsible Business Conduct in China, the EU and 10 Partner Regions, and acts as a strategic advisor to the All-China New Energy Chamber of Commerce. Cong-rui holds a PhD in International and European Law from Utrecht University (2018) and a University Teaching Qualification from Free University of Amsterdam (2023). She is the author of the Springer monograph Chinese Rules and Procedures for Addressing Mass Actions (2024) and co-editor of the forthcoming Kluwer International Law book The Making of Sustainable Law and the Cultural Legitimacy of Corporate Compliance across 12 Global Markets (2027). Her research and policy insights are regularly published by leading journals in Europe and China.
Please register here:
