On October 3, 2017, the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce, represented by Philippe Van der Donckt, Vice-Chairman and Gwenn Sonck, Executive Director, signed a structural partnership agreement with Flanders Investment and Trade, represented by Claire Tillekaerts, CEO. The signing took place during an official ceremony at the Errera House in Brussels in the presence of Flanders’ Minister-President Geert Bourgeois, formally recognizing the reinforced collaboration. This partnership is part of the ‘Vlaanderen versnelt!’ (‘Flanders accelerates!’), Flanders’ internationalization strategy.

The FCCC and FIT are cooperating in order to better support the international strategy of Flemish companies. Both partners will focus on promoting the economic, trade and scientific relations between Flanders and China. A common vision, close cooperation, and exchange of information between FIT and FCCC will support Flemish companies doing business in China. Chinese companies aiming to invest in Flanders will receive goal-focused assistance. On a European scale, the advantages of Flanders will be effectively promoted through the EU-China Business Association for which the FCCC acts as Vice Chairman and Secretary General.

Besides the FCCC, FIT also signed partnership agreements with 16 chambers of commerce, federations and clusters to accelerate the internationalization of Flemish companies. The partnerships will cover the years 2017-2021 and enhance previous cooperation on a project basis. They are based on equal co-financing between FIT and the partners and critical performance indicators will be evaluated on a yearly basis.