Bert De Graeve, Chairman of the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce (FCCC) and CEO of Bekaert, appeared on the VRT TV program “Terzake” and in an interview on the pages of the China Daily.

In “Terzake” he said that when Bekaert entered China it was a big potential market with demand for many new goods. A company could enter the market and grow fast. The productivity of companies in China is very high. In China you have to get to know people. You have to visit your customers and their companies. Personal contact is very important, he said.

In an interview in the China Daily, De Graeve talked with reporter Zhang Zhao about the latest developments in business cooperation between the two countries. “Belgian companies－especially Flemish companies－are very flexible and are very accommodating in working with Chinese partners. Both sides have a pragmatic way of working. Our companies are good at analyzing problems and formulating workable solutions. In working together with Chinese partners one should not be patronizing but rather listen and work toward a common approach that will result in a win-win situation favorable to all concerned,” De Graeve said. “Belgian companies such as Bekaert, Barco, Agfa, Umicore and Picanol have their feet on the ground. They have brought world-class technologies to China in many areas that have contributed to the further development of China’s economy and society.” China and Belgium “are capable of working very well together because China is very respectful of smaller partners. Belgium tends to focus on getting business done rather than trying to score political points. Moreover, Belgium has unique access to the European market,” De Graeve added.

He remarked that “the investment climate in China is constantly improving, but there is fierce competition on the market and “to have a fighting chance you need to have a unique product, continue innovating by investing in R&D and keep ahead of the competition by listening to your customers.” Premier Li Keqiang has said that China will provide a level playing field for domestic and foreign companies. “We cannot ask for more. With a level playing field it is up to every company to work to the best of its ability to come out on top of the competition,” De Graeve said. He sees opportunities for European companies in China in the sectors of the internet and mobile communications, healthcare, environmental protection, clean energy, new materials and electric vehicles. “When Chinese companies plan to invest in Belgium it is important to get a good insight on the investment climate, investment funds, the local regulations, tax advantages, the culture and other aspects to build up a network with authorities, our chamber of commerce and our member companies,” Bert De Graeve said.