Successful trade mission to Chengdu strengthens cooperation Between Flemish Brabant and China
From 13 to 18 April 2025, a successful trade mission to Chengdu, our focus region in China, took place. The mission was led by Governor Jan Spooren and Vice-Governor Bart Nevens, in collaboration with Voka Chamber of Commerce Flemish Brabant and the Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC). The aim of the mission was to strengthen economic, logistical, and academic ties within the strategic partnership that has existed between Flemish Brabant and Chengdu since 2011.
Economic partnership gathers momentum boost in economic collaboration
A key outcome of the mission was the meeting with the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Commerce to discuss the further development of logistical and commercial connectivity between the two regions. Freek De Witte, Director of Air Cargo Belgium, presented the potential of a direct air link between Chengdu and Brussels. Tine Jacobs, Minister Counselor of the Economic Section at the Belgian Embassy in China, facilitated these discussions and emphasized the importance of close Belgian-Chinese cooperation in trade and investment.
During the conference Sustainable E-Commerce and the Future of Trade, eighty Belgian and Chinese participants came together to explore topics such as green supply chains, digitalization, and financial innovation. Emmanuel Geronnez, Customs Attaché at the Belgian Embassy in Beijing, delivered a keynote on recent developments in customs procedures, digitalization, and trade supervision. The visit to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport also included discussions on existing cargo flights between the two regions.
Strengthening Institutional Ties
During the Chengdu International Friendship Cities Cooperation and Development Conference, Governor Jan Spooren presented Flemish Brabant as an innovative and reliable partner. Delegations from thirty sister cities participated in this international gathering. At the Mayor Roundtable Meeting, Vice Governor Bart Nevens emphasized the importance of sustainable cooperation built on mutual trust. Flemish Brabant remains committed to initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for our region.
A key achievement was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Voka Flemish Brabant and the Chengdu Cross-Border E-Commerce Association (CDCEA). This agreement offers Flemish companies enhanced support for their exports to Chengdu, providing access to a broad network of e-commerce firms and logistical hubs.
Dimitri Bettoni, Head of Cargo at Brussels Airport Company, also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Sichuan Airlines Logistics to optimize the direct air connection between Chengdu and Brussels. This initiative strengthens the logistical link between the two regions and promotes trade, tourism, and investment.
Expansion of Academic Cooperation
Education and research remain key pillars of Flemish Brabant’s partnership with Chengdu. During the mission, a new cooperation agreement was signed between the Sichuan University-Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) and KU Leuven – Campus Group T. This agreement launches an International Double Degree in Engineering Technology, allowing students to pursue part of their studies in Chengdu and part in Flemish Brabant.
Conclusion The mission to Chengdu reaffirmed the importance of long-term partnerships built on mutual trust and shared ambitions. Flemish Brabant positioned itself as a proactive region with strong assets in logistics, innovation, education, and international collaboration. The signed agreements lay a solid foundation for future projects and mark a new step in the sustainable development of Flemish-Chinese relations.