On 10 June, the Final Conference for the EU SME Centre took place virtually to take stock of the project activities accomplished in the past 21 months. Over 70 participants joined this event, at which the results of the project were shared. These include 4,500+ participants trained through 65 training sessions in China and Europe, among others.
Moderated by the Centre’s Director, Mr. Renzo Isler, and the Secretary General of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China (EUCCC), Mr. Adam Dunnett, this event comprised high-level interventions such as the Ambassador of the European Union to China, who reinforced the need of such projects to promote, not only economic success, but also cultural exchange and better mutual understanding between European and Chinese business communities.
In the photo: Mr. Renzo Isler (right) and Mr. Adam Dunnett (left) spoke at the conference
All speakers acknowledged the challenges that the Chinese market presents for European SMEs, particularly nowadays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine and recognised the importance of the EU SME Centre as a tool to mitigate potential risks. Speakers included H.E. Nicolas Chapuis, the Ambassador of the European Union to China, Ms. Natalia Martínez Páramo, Head of Unit, EISMEA, Ms. Barbara Bonvissuto, Head of Unit, DG GROW, as well as Eurochambres CEO, Ben Butters, as a member of the consortium partners that runs the project.
Three guest business support organisations shared their experience collaborating with the Centre in this third phase. The scope of cooperation included organisation of virtual road shows and training sessions as well as the submission of enquiries.
The conference was closed with a presentation of the upcoming Phase IV by Mr. Liam Jia, Operations Manager of the project. He introduced the services that the project team will continue offering in the upcoming three years.
Overall, this meeting offered an opportunity not only for the Centre to present achievements, but also for all stakeholders to come together and acknowledge the challenges that the Chinese market presents for European SMEs, whilst recognising the importance of the EU SME Centre as a tool to mitigate potential risks.
“I would like to give, on behalf of the whole EU SME Centre team, our sincere thanks to all our stakeholders and partners who have supported us all along, and contributed to the fulfilment of our mission. We hope we have been able to gain the trust from all, and especially from our targeted end-beneficiaries, the European SMEs. Phase IV is on the doorsteps and the EU SME Centre is committed like never before to deliver more and higher-quality services, so as to allow all European SMEs to Be Ready for China!” Mr. Renzo Isler said at the conference
Photo taken from the Beijing conference room during the event
About the EU SME Centre
The EU SME Centre in Beijing provides a comprehensive range of hands-on support services to European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), getting them ready to do business in China. Our team of experts provides advice and support in four areas – business development, law, standards and conformity and human resources. Collaborating with external experts worldwide, the Centre converts valuable knowledge and experience into practical business tools and services easily accessible online. From first-line advice to in-depth technical solutions, we offer services through Knowledge Centre, Advice Centre, Training Centre and SME Advocacy Platform.
The Centre is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of five partners – the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce in China, the China-Britain Business Council, the Danish Chamber of Commerce in China, the EUROCHAMBRES, and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.
To learn more about the Centre, visit the website www.eusmecentre.org.cn.
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