In the Netherlands, Dutch political interference in semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia's business operations disrupted the industrial chain and triggered market disorder. It also heightened anxiety among Chinese investors.

By Shao Haijun

AMSTERDAM, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Business and political leaders from China and the Netherlands have emphasized that openness and pragmatism are the keys to promoting stronger Sino-Dutch economic ties, highlighting the relationship's resilience despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Over 200 delegates attended the 20th anniversary celebration of the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in the Netherlands (ACIEN) on Thursday in Amsterdam, under the theme "China Network Event: Stronger Together," to discuss the future of economic cooperation.

ENDURING STRENGTH IN BILATERAL TIES

Sino-Dutch economic cooperation has expanded rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years ago. According to China's Ministry of Commerce, bilateral trade reached 110 billion U.S. dollars in 2024. The Netherlands is China's second-largest trading partner within the European Union (EU), while China remains the Netherlands' largest trading partner outside the bloc. The country is also China's largest investment destination within the EU, and its second-largest EU source of investment.

"Openness and pragmatism are the cornerstones of Sino-Dutch economic and trade cooperation." said Jin Yuan, Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands.

Erwin Nijsse, Director-General for Business and Innovation at the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, emphasized that sustained cooperation is essential for the Netherlands' long-term prosperity and global development.

"Both our nations acknowledge and are strongly committed to the importance of these topics (economic cooperation), not just as a driver for prosperity but also to help tackle the global challenges that we face today," Nijsse said.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON

China's 15th Five-Year Plan, adopted recently, outlines a renewed commitment to high-level opening-up, mutual benefit and win-win partnerships with the global community, which opens new horizons for bilateral cooperation, experts agreed.

Liu Jiandong, chairman of the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU (CCCEU), noted that China's stable and resilient market continues to be a major engine of global growth, and to provide opportunities for companies operating in Europe.

Meanwhile, ACIEN Chairman He Lingzhi said the Plan represents a "new starting point" for Sino-Dutch economic relations, pointing to promising areas such as green energy, clean technologies, life sciences, smart manufacturing, digital economy, agriculture and port logistics.

"China and the Netherlands have no fundamental conflict of interests. Instead, we share commitments to globalization, multilateralism, free trade and an open economy," said Jin Yuan, adding that China welcomes more Dutch investment and high-quality products.

The Netherlands wants to continue improving its business environment, said Nijsse, adding: "We always welcome feedback from Chinese companies and officials in the Netherlands on what can be improved."

Jochum Haakma, Chairman of the Netherlands China Business Council (NCBC), said China is a vital partner for Europe, not only due to its vast market, but also its growing capacity for innovation.

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES

Nevertheless, the anniversary event took place amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chains, and rising global trade tensions. A recent survey released by CCCEU and consultancy Roland Berger revealed that confidence among Chinese companies operating in the EU has fallen to a six-year low: dropping to 61 out of 100 in 2025 from 73 in 2019, amid political headwinds and rising costs.

In the Netherlands, Dutch political interference in semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia's business operations disrupted the industrial chain and triggered market disorder. It also heightened anxiety among Chinese investors.

"Unreasonable sanctions imposed on a Chinese company in the Netherlands have raised deep concern," He Lingzhi said.

Nijsse responded that the Netherlands remains in close communication with China and industry stakeholders to ensure continuity and resolve outstanding challenges.

Jochum Haakma echoed Nijsse's approach, stressing that innovation, quality and resilient cooperation - rather than isolation - are the required responses to global pressures.

ACIEN was established in 2005 by Chinese enterprises operating in the Netherlands. Currently, it has more than 130 members, covering all the main sectors for economic cooperation between China and the Netherlands. These include finance, Information Technology, transport, logistics, agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism services.