On 8 January 2025, as part of the SME advocacy actions conducted by the EU SME Centre, European Chamber Business and Government Affairs Manager Lynn Wu and Events Manager Jingqian Mo met in Guangzhou with Shirley Zhou, an official from the China Import and Export Fair Operation Department. The meeting focused on the services and opportunities the Import Fair can offer foreign companies as exhibitors, as well as the value it provides to European companies seeking to expand their presence in the Chinese market.
During the discussion, Shirley highlighted that the Import Fair plays a pivotal role in balancing China’s trade of imports and exports. It also serves as a critical platform for foreign companies to showcase their products and brands, offering European SMEs valuable exposure to potential customers in the Chinese market.
Lynn emphasised the importance and impact of the Canton Fair, noting that it presents a significant opportunity for European companies, particularly EU SMEs, to leverage the event by exhibiting or participating in side activities to gain deeper insights into the local market and potential business partners. Lynn also shared insights about the European SME base in South China and their strengths.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain close communication and explore opportunities for a future visit.
The EU SME Centre’s advocacy activities aim at supporting the interests of European SMEs in China by creating a platform for exchanges between various relevant stakeholders and ensuring that the voices of European small businesses in China are heard. The Advocacy Platform operates in three major areas: information sharing, consolidation of feedback, and dissemination and outreach.
The European Chamber Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Forum comprises European SMEs operating in various industries in China who strive for improved operating conditions and exchange on practical business issues to foster their success in China. Advocacy actions for SMEs organised by the European Chamber and the EU SME Centre include regular working group meetings and policy meetings covering issues of specific relevance for European small and medium-sized businesses in China. Find out more on our Advocacy page.
Among the publications of our Advocacy Platform, the annual Policy Environment Report sets out to provide an overview of the most significant developments affecting SMEs operating in the country. Read SMEs in China: 2024 Policy Environment Report here >
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