The 2019 China (Guangdong) – Europe Investment and Innovation Cooperation Conference kicked off in Dongguan on December 6th. The conference has gathered over 190 European entrepreneurs from Fortune 500 firms and industry leaders, to discuss future commercial cooperation between South China and Europe. More than 200 Cantonese enterprises also took part in the event. 

The 2019 China (Guangdong) – Europe Investment and Innovation Cooperation Conference kicked off in Dongguan on December 6th.

Zhang Hu, Vice Governor of Guangdong Provincial Government delivered a welcoming speech to conference attendees. “Guangdong will utilize the ‘two-wheel drive effect’ of the Greater Bay Area and Shenzhen demonstration pilot zone, strengthen two-way investment and cooperation, and strive to achieve mutually beneficial deals with various countries around the world,” said Zhang.

The EU is Guangdong’s third biggest trade partner. Statistics show Guangdong-Europe import and export volumes hit 917 billion RMB in 2018, up by 6.3% on a year-on-year basis, accounting for 14.2% of Guangdong’s total import and export figures.

“The success of China means more opportunities for Europe,” said Nicolas Chapuis, Head of Delagation of the European Uion in China, who wishes to enhance the cooperation between China and Europe. He also expressed the EU’s interest in the Greater Bay Area, hoping Guangdong will further its opening-up and attract more investment from European enterprises.

Guangdong has exceeded expectations in terms of attracting foreign investment. On November 3rd, BASF Verbund site in Zhanjiang, southwest of Guangdong, celebrated groundbreaking. The 10-billion-dollar project will become BASF’s third largest integrated production base upon completion.

Construction on Siemens’ most advanced distribution transformer plant is now underway in Huangpu District, Guangzhou. The plant is expected to be completed and put into operation in 2021. Ivan Shang, Siemens’ Senior Vice President and GM of Region South, said this project will benefit from the development of the Greater Bay Area and he believes Guangdong’s Ten Principals will facilitate attracting further foreign investment.

“Guangdong is the best province in terms of technology and innovation, we can cooperate in new gadgets, IT, telecommunications, machinery, industries and finance,” said Joerg Wuttke, President of EU Chamber of Commerce in China.

“Our members speak highly of Guangdong’s international business environment, because the government highlights efficiency, transparency and a solution-oriented mentality,” said George Lau, Chairman of the South China Board of the EuCham. He also suggested focusing on European SME’s and providing language support for EU companies.

A series of parallel activities also provided participants with an in-depth exploration into the investment experience, advanced manufacturing, 5G technology industry among other topics.

The conference is hosted by the People’s Government of Guangdong Province and EU Chamber of Commerce in China. It has been held for three consecutive years in Foshan, Shenzhen and Dongguan respectively, aiming to improve cooperation between China and Europe through subsequent projects in infrastructure, environmental protection and intelligent manufacturing.