The European Commission, the Enterprise Europe Network and EUPIC organized a tour to the EU-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair China from 2 to 8 November 2016 in Chengdu (2 to 6 November) and Qingdao (6 to 8 November). This tour was organized with the support of the EU-China Business Association (EUCBA) and the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce. The fair gathered 1,500 participants of companies, state/regional governments, clusters, business associations, EU-China Cooperation experts, universities, R&D institutions from west and north China, the European Commission, EEN partners, and European countries who are seeking potential collaboration and partnerships with their counterparts.

Chengdu is the centre of West China. It is also the initial station of the Chengdu-Europe Express Railway to Lodz, Poland. Forbes listed Chengdu as one of “The Next Decade’s Fastest Growing Cities Globally”.

Leading industries are ICT, environment, renewable energy, new materials, life sciences, bio-pharmaceuticals, aviation, and modern agriculture.

Qingdao is located at the intersection of two Silk Roads, both through the continent and over the sea. It is the converging point for Asia-Pacific economic integration. 70% of China’s academicians and 30% of senior researchers on maritime sciences and technologies are based in Qingdao. The EU is now the No 1 trading partner for Qingdao.

Leading industries are maritime equipment, maritime bio-pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, new materials, maritime environment, ICT, home appliances, and rolling stock.