European and Chinese business leaders gathered in Brussels recently for the Qianhai–Europe Economic and Trade Cooperation Dialogue, highlighting Qianhai’s growing role as a strategic bridge for cross-border business and innovation.
Qianhai, positioned as one of China’s most forward-looking development zones, is being promoted as a model of openness, connectivity, and intelligence — ideals seen as increasingly vital in a complex global economy.
At the dialogue held in Brussels, Luigi Gambardella, president of the China-Europe Digital Association, said the event marks only the beginning of a deeper partnership — one founded on mutual trust, shared innovation, and tangible results for both sides.
“What makes Qianhai truly exceptional is its ability to turn openness into innovation,” said Gambardella,
“Within this dynamic ecosystem, three complementary systems coexist and interact in perfect harmony: Shenzhen’s entrepreneurial and manufacturing strength, Hong Kong’s global legal and financial expertise, and the mainland’s regulatory flexibility. Together, they have transformed Qianhai into an increasingly prominent platformfor cross-border business and technological collaboration anywhere in the world — a model of how integration and innovation can reinforce each other, turning diversity into strength.”
For Europe, Qianhai represents not only a destination but also a strategic opportunity. It offers European enterprises and regional clusters a ready-made gateway to China, supported by policy incentives, modern infrastructure, and tailored services designed to facilitate international expansion and cross-border cooperation.
“With its openness, advanced infrastructure, and strong commitment to international collaboration, Qianhai has positioned to become the European hub for regions and companies across the continent,” Gambardella added. “It is a central platform where European innovation, technology, and sustainable development can meet China’s scale, speed, and entrepreneurial energy.”
In Brussels, the capital of Europe, Belgian and European companies are uniquely positioned to seize this opportunity — transforming Europe’s creativity, sustainability, and technological excellence into concrete partnerships with Shenzhen and the wider Greater Bay Area.
“At a time when global cooperation faces growing challenges, Qianhai reminds us that bridges matter more than borders,” Gambardella concluded. “Europe and China share a common responsibility: to foster a model of growth that is intelligent, sustainable, and human-centered.”