The 7th WCIFIT | Total Import-Export Volume Up 20% YoY! Chongqing and the Netherlands Accelerate Cooperation Expansion

On May 23, the China-Netherlands Seminar Smart Urban Construction was held as a key sub-event of the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT).

At the seminar, Zhang Jianjun, Second-Level Inspector (deputy director-general level) of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce, stated that the Netherlands has long been a vital partner of Chongqing, with both sides maintaining close cooperative ties. In 2024, the total import-export volume between Chongqing and the Netherlands reached RMB14.8 billion, a 20% year-on-year increase. Since last year, four Dutch companies have invested in Chongqing, one Chongqing enterprise invested in the Netherlands, and the Solidaridad Foundation established its representative office in Chongqing, marking a deepening bilateral partnership.

China-Netherlands Seminar Smart Urban Construction at the 7th WCIFIT, Chongqing International Expo Center, May 23. Photograph courtesy of reporter Li Yuheng

"Given our confidence in Chongqing's development prospects, eight Dutch organizations including the Port of Rotterdam Authority, WIFFA Shippingtech Co., Ltd., and Omsteel are participating in this WCIFIT. We aim to leverage this international platform for exchanges and cooperation with global enterprises." Remarks by Mr. Huub Buise, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to China, at the seminar.

Mr. Huub Buise, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to China. Photograph courtesy of reporter Li Yuheng

As the Netherlands serves as Europe's gateway, Chongqing is the gateway to Western China. How will the two regions expand cooperation and seize opportunities in the new era? The seminar conveyed multiple positive signals.

Building Green and Efficient Logistics

The Port of Rotterdam, situated in northwestern Europe, is Europe's largest port and a strategic gateway serving over 500 million people. It handles over 400 million tons of cargo and nearly 14 million TEUs annually, with approximately 30,000 seagoing vessels and 100,000 inland vessels docking yearly.

"The Port of Rotterdam maintains robust trade ties with China. Chinese cargo constitutes one-fourth of our container trade - meaning one in every four containers shipped originates from China," said Zou Junshan, China Chief Representative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Zou Junshan, China Chief Representative of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Photograph courtesy of reporter Li Yuheng

However, like Chongqing's Guoyuan Port and other Chinese ports, the Port of Rotterdam faces demands for green and sustainable development.

"We have four key measures to become a green port," Zou outlined. "First, upgrade existing infrastructure for efficiency and low energy consumption, shifting from oil to electricity-powered operations with smart devices. Second, establish new energy production and transport infrastructure; Third, scale up renewable energy use and advance methanol, green ammonia, and hydrogen development; Fourth, enhance digitalization by integrating port, terminal, and maritime data, and develop container planning systems to ensure sustainable development, efficient operations, and secure shipping."

Echoing Port of Rotterdam's efforts in building a green efficient logistics corridor, New Silk Road Logistics is developing smart solutions to enhance visibility in Belt and Road supply chains.

Miao Shuhua, CEO of New Silk Road Logistics, noted that the company has operated 18 000 China-Europe Railway Express by 2024, accounting for 75% of China's global rail freight volume. Nearly half originated from the Xi'an, Chongqing, and Chengdu hubs. Pharmaceutical and chemical goods comprise 80% of Chongqing-bound train cargo.

Notably, Chongqing's pharmaceutical and chemical industry is growing robustly at 12%-15% annually, with exports projected to hit RMB8 billion this year. Over half of clients require rail transport compliant with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards for pharmaceuticals.

To address temperature-control compliance challenges, New Silk Road Logistics offers precise and regulation-aligned solutions. It is learned that the company has built 1.2 million square meters of European warehousing facilities powered by wind energy to support high-end temperature-controlled transport for valuable goods.

It also optimizes integrated systems such as GPS tracking, IoT temperature control and monitoring, and integrates internet, insurance, emergency response, and warehousing into a flexible system, using AI to observe, learn, predict, and optimize risk management for seamless cross-border trade.

Accelerating global trade flows

China-Netherlands cooperation has strengthened in recent years, with smooth progress in trade. The Netherlands-based NGO Solidaridad Foundation accelerates sustainable economic globalization and trade investment by addressing multiple commodity stages (production, distribution, consumption) and dimensions (environmental, social, economic).

Li Rusong, Chief Representative of Solidaridad Foundation, announced at the seminar that the Solidaridad Foundation (Netherlands) Chongqing Representative Office was registered in February 2024 with support from Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce and Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau. It focuses on sustainable supply chains for cocoa, coffee, cotton, textiles, produce, gold, leather, livestock, palm oil, soybeans, sugar, and tea.

Li Rusong, Chief Representative of Solidaridad Foundation. Photograph courtesy of reporter Li Yuheng

Over the past year, Solidaridad Foundation has advanced green and sustainable development in Chongqing's foreign trade. For instance, its research shows that palm oil can supplement beef tallow in Chongqing hotpot - a globally renowned cuisine. Currently, palm oil is primarily sourced from Southeast Asia (e.g., Malaysia, Indonesia), Latin America, and Africa. Thus, Solidaridad promotes sustainable palm oil production in these regions to support the hotpot industry’s eco-friendly growth.

Additionally, as "Chongqing Vehicles Going Global" campaign gains momentum, local automakers require deeper insights into international policies and standards. Solidaridad has hosted seminars in Chongqing to detail European Union regulations, helping local enterprises seize opportunities and mitigate risks. It also connects Chongqing firms with overseas think tanks to amplify their brand narratives globally.

Furthermore, Solidaridad Foundation collaborates with Chongqing districts/counties to implement demonstration projects. Examples include assisting Yongchuan's tea plantations in soil erosion control, pesticide reduction, and climate resilience to boost Yongchuan Xiuya tea exports.

Beyond promoting sustainable trade, Solidaridad Foundation introduces international brands to Chongqing. At the recent Chongqing International Coffee Festival, it introduced top Dutch and African coffee brands, diversifying international trade.

Empowering smart city development

Alongside efficient logistics and trade, smart city development is a priority area for Netherlands-Chongqing cooperation. Another example is Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V, which is the master planner for Chongqing's new Bishan Airport.

It is said that, NACO - a subsidiary of Royal HaskoningDHV - is a world-leading airport consultancy with over 75 years of experience in creating future-oriented airports and leading the next generation of aviation.

Shen Daiyi, China Representative of Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V , stated: "Our multidisciplinary team advances sustainability in mega-airports through expertise in energy-efficient lighting, digital integration, furniture design, and climate resilience, shaping aviation's future."

Shen Daiyi, China Representative of Netherlands Airport Consultants B.V (NACO). Photograph courtesy of reporter Li Yuheng

Beyond airports, libraries are vital public spaces. Dai Zhenzhen, China Representative of Bruynzeel, explained: "We provide innovative spatial storage solutions - including mobile compact shelving, bookcases, and display cabinets - to enhance library storage efficiency, space utilization, and user experience."

Family-friendly spaces are also gaining prominence. Yang Moji, Marketing Officer of Fien and Teun Farm, shared: "Our Chengdu Fien & Teun Tianfu Farm - Southwest China's first IP-driven child-friendly theme farm - integrates Dutch and Chinese ecological aesthetics. It recreates scenes from books and films under the core themes of nature education, food origins, and animal welfare."

Home spaces are equally emphasized. Ren Jun, Western China General Manager of AkzoNobel, said, "With 70 global labs and five R&D centers, we deliver eco-friendly technological products."

Dulux - a leading brand in China - exemplifies this effort. "As China's property market matures, demand for timely home renovations and eco-friendly paints surges," Ren noted. "Dulux addresses this with solutions like problem diagnosis, full subsidies, and standardized services. Since launching China's first formaldehyde-resistant paint in 2007, it has introduced Deep Breath series and Guozhen collections - certified by national sleep standards - to enhance daily living."