By Zhao Yu

The China (Ningbo)–Netherlands Economic and Trade Conference was held in Ningbo on June 18, bringing together more than 30 Dutch business representatives and around 100 Chinese participants.

The two sides reached preliminary deals worth nearly €100 million, spanning traditional manufacturing and emerging sectors such as new materials, biochar, and biopharmaceuticals.

"This is the first time a Dutch private business association has organized a delegation to visit Ningbo," said Li Jinshi, vice president of the Netherlands–China Economic and Trade Promotion Association.

Ningbo and the Netherlands have complementary industrial structures that provide a strong foundation for cooperation. Ningbo, a port of departure along the Maritime Silk Road, is home to the Ningbo Zhoushan Port, the world's largest cargo-handling port, as well as a well-developed industrial base in high-end equipment, automotive manufacturing, and new materials.

The Netherlands, with the Port of Rotterdam as a key logistics hub and a deferred import VAT system that allows goods to enter the market before tax settlement, has become an important gateway for Chinese companies entering Europe.

Official data show that the Netherlands is Ningbo's second-largest trading partner in the European Union, with two-way trade reaching $4.53 billion in 2025.

Piet Kepser, a representative of a Dutch biochemical company, said he was visiting Ningbo for the first time to explore potential suppliers. "I'm very impressed by the city's industrial sector and its port capacity," he said. His accompanying family members also reached preliminary agreements with local firms in home products such as PVC panels, driven by competitive pricing and supply advantages.

Beyond meeting Dutch demand, Chinese companies at the event also sought insights into European market opportunities. Salim Hossaini, CEO of Dutch law firm Tanger Advocaten N.V., said opportunities for Chinese companies in Europe are mainly concentrated in two areas.

The first is the energy transition, where demand is growing in sectors such as hydrogen, solar power, and energy storage, areas where Chinese firms have strong manufacturing and technological capabilities.

The second is deeper integration into Europe's innovation ecosystem, supported by universities, research institutes, and technology parks. He said this could help Chinese companies move beyond export-driven models toward localized research and development and stronger brand presence in Europe.