I have been the proud chair of the Shanghai Chapter for two years – part of a journey that began at the Chamber 16 years ago. The Shanghai Chapter is the Chamber’s largest, with over 620 members. It has been an honour to be part of the Chamber’s story and to represent a diverse range of companies, small and medium-sized enterprises, and multinationals from many different countries. We have achieved much, and we continue to set high standards for ourselves, as shown by the 80 events and training sessions we organise each year, and by our good relations with the local government – these reached a peak last year when we met with Shanghai’s Mayor Gong Zheng for the first time. I only hope that the next 25 years will continue to bring success to our chapter, with a growing membership and increased collaboration with the Shanghai Government.

What I relish most about my role as chair of the Shenyang Chapter, is the chance to cultivate a thriving ecosystem where Shenyang and European businesses interweave. It’s deeply fulfilling to see partnerships and mutual growth sparked through our chapter’s initiatives, from forging new relationships to facilitating cross-industry exchanges.

The Chamber is a cornerstone for European businesses in Shenyang. It equips us with a robust network, insightful policy decoding, supportive advocacy, and platforms for knowledge exchange and experience sharing. Whether it’s industry-focussed seminars that shed light on market trends or networking galas that bring together leaders from different sectors, these resources help enterprises navigate the market with confidence, turning potential opportunities into tangible successes.

Witnessing entrepreneurs share cutting-edge technologies, engage in lively debates about future industrial landscapes, and strike deals to drive industrial advancement has been a true highlight for me. It is a testament to the Chamber’s ability to bridge enterprises and ideas.

Happy 25^th anniversary to the European Chamber! Here’s to many more years of connecting Shenyang and European businesses, promoting sustainable growth, and writing new chapters of prosperity together in the ever-evolving business landscape.

In my capacity as chairman of the European Chamber’s South China Chapter, it is my privilege to support our members in navigating the complexities of this dynamic market. The Chamber remains the indispensable platform for European businesses committed to sustaining competitiveness and achieving long-term growth in China.

We provide unparalleled insight and advocacy, enabling our members to adopt industry best practices, anticipate regulatory shifts and forge critical connections. Our collective voice and resources are vital for those striving to excel in an ever-evolving business landscape.

I want to send my good wishes to the Chamber on its 25^th anniversary.  

As chairman of the Nanjing Chapter and a loyal member of the European Chamber—with nearly two decades of experience at BASF—I am truly delighted to mark the Chamber’s 25^th anniversary.

Over the years, I have closely observed how the needs of European businesses in China have evolved, alongside unique challenges: navigating market access barriers, competing in an increasingly competitive market, and adapting to uncertainties from global trade and business tensions. Yet I’ve also seen these businesses act proactively – expanding operations, forging partnerships with local supply chains and authorities, and seizing new opportunities amid challenges.

This deepens my appreciation for the Chamber’s irreplaceable role as a bridge, and where our Chamber’s evolving role proves vital. We continually strive to tailor our support to meet our members’ shifting needs, building trust and solidarity. We leverage that solidarity to facilitate dialogue with local authorities, amplify our collective voice on critical issues, and connect members to the support they need to thrive.

Here’s to celebrating this spirit of unity as one Chamber family, and to the Chamber continuing to grow alongside its members. Driven by mutual support, we are dedicated to serving our community.

Over my years as a member of the European Chamber, I’ve been consistently impressed by how the organisation empowers businesses to navigate China’s dynamic landscape through its unique combination of strengths: an unparalleled professional network, effective advocacy and transformative knowledge-sharing platforms.

My journey took on new meaning when I assumed the role of chair of the Tianjin Chapter. This position has allowed me to witness—and contribute to—the Chamber’s remarkable ability to bridge European and Chinese business interests. Whether through our carbon neutrality forums that drive sustainable business practices, the rigorous annual Position Paper process that shapes policy dialogue, the Business Confidence Survey launch or our sector-specific seminars that deliver actionable insights, we’ve created tangible value for members operating in this complex market.

What makes the Chamber exceptional isn’t just what it does, but how it does it – through the collective dedication of our members and secretariat. As we celebrate 25 years of excellence, I’m reminded that the Chamber’s greatest achievement is the vibrant, resilient community we’ve built together. Here’s to the next 25 years of turning challenges into opportunities!

Southwest China offers a rich diversity of people and landscapes – it is full of surprises in the best way, and so is doing business here.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with our Southwest members – today as chair of the Southwest China Chapter, and previously as a board member and chair of the HR Forum. These roles have given me a deep appreciation for our members’ businesses, and the unique opportunities and challenges of operating in this dynamic region.

I recently had the honour of sharing the views of our members with the vice governor of Sichuan Province in a closed-door meeting; in addition, I led a delegation of members to meet with the mayor of Guangyuan. With over 700 EU companies active in Sichuan—in fields as varied as medical, aviation, gaming, auto, food and beverage, and services—our responsibility is to amplify their voices and secure the reforms and opportunities they need to thrive.

Looking ahead, we will continue expanding our initiatives, such as industry briefings, expert roundtables, cross-sector panels and government-industry forums, to ensure we continue to deliver for our members.

Happy 25^th anniversary to the European Chamber – here’s to the next 25!