A high-level delegation from Qianhai, Shenzhen, led by Wang Shourui, Director General of the Qianhai Authority, visited Brussels on Tuesday to strengthen cooperation with Europe and explore new opportunities for partnership between the Greater Bay Area and the European continent. The event was co-hosted by the Qianhai Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce and ChinaEU, with the support of Agoria, Belgium's leading technology federation.

Located on the western shore of Shenzhen and facing Hong Kong, Qianhai serves as a living gateway between the Chinese mainland and the world — between industry and innovation, between policy and creativity.

"What makes Qianhai truly exceptional is its ability to turn openness into innovation," said Luigi Gambardella, President of ChinaEU. "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 one of the most vibrant platforms for 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.

"In multiple fields, including artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, the low-altitude economy, and medical devices, Qianhai has reached world-class levels, forming strong and dynamic comparative advantages. The region has achieved deep integration across industrial, innovation, supply, capital, and talent chains," Wang said.

"Shenzhen is increasingly emerging as a globally influential economic center. The city will host the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in November next year — a piece of truly exciting news."

"Innovation is the soul of Shenzhen," Wen Li, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Shenzhen Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau. "The city regards enterprises as the main drivers of innovation and strives to leave as many opportunities as possible in their hands."

"With its openness, advanced infrastructure, and strong commitment to international collaboration, Qianhai has all the potential 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 of 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-centred."

The Qianhai–Europe Cooperation Dialogue marks only the beginning of a deeper partnership — one founded on mutual trust, shared innovation, and tangible results for both sides.