FLANDERS-CHINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (FCCC)
Picture with Ambassador Fei Shengchao together with members of FCCC, KBC and DWI
On the evening of 5 February 2026, the hall of the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce at KBC HQ in Brussels was filled with celebration as business leaders, diplomats, and partners gathered to welcome the Chinese Year of the Horse. The FCCC Chairman Philippe Latour warmly greeted the audience and expressed gratitude to Ambassador Fei Shengchao and his team for their continued friendship and support in strengthening ties between China and Flanders.
The story of the Chamber itself reflected more than twenty years of cooperation. Founded by major Belgian investors in China, the organization had grown into a strong network of 160 member companies from many sectors. The evening also marked a new chapter, as Orsi Academy and Dahua Technology joined as new structural partners, symbolizing the Chamber’s expanding future.
As the speech continued, attention turned to the changing global business environment. The speaker described a world shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, where companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Yet despite these challenges, China was presented as a country full of innovation and opportunity. Instead of being impressed only by giant infrastructure projects, visitors today are amazed by how technology powers everyday life in China. Sectors such as robotics, biotechnology, IoT, advanced materials, and energy storage were highlighted as drivers of future growth.
The speaker emphasized that many member companies remain committed to China for the long term. Belgian firms are deepening their local presence while Chinese investment in Flanders continues to grow, creating new partnerships and economic opportunities. The Chamber also promised to continue bringing business delegations to China so leaders could experience the country’s rapid innovation firsthand.
Finally, the speech highlighted the importance of EU-China cooperation. Through its management of the EU-China Business Association, the Chamber plays an active role in promoting dialogue between Europe and China. The evening ended with sincere thanks to sponsors, members, and partners, followed by festive wishes for happiness, prosperity, and success in the New Year.
Gwenn Sonck (FCCC)
Ms. Gwenn Sonck, FCCC Executive Director, speech….
David Moucheron (KBC)
Since 1996, the Shanghai office has supported Belgian companies entering the Chinese market, helping them navigate regulations, expand operations, and seize opportunities in one of the world’s fastest-changing economies.
The speech painted a vivid image of modern China. No longer known only for factories and infrastructure, China was described as a center of innovation, technology, and digital transformation. Mr. Moucheron recalled visiting a Belgian-owned factory in Shanghai only weeks earlier.
There, he witnessed cutting-edge automation and Industry 4.0 technologies developed locally in China, innovations now being adopted back in Europe. It was a powerful reminder that cooperation between Belgium and China is no longer one-way, but an exchange of ideas, expertise, and progress.
At a time when the world often seems divided by uncertainty and barriers, he reminded the audience that international trade remains a force for good. Partnerships between Belgium and China continue to create prosperity, investment, and shared growth for both sides. As the evening drew to a close, he invited everyone to continue the conversation, strengthen friendships, and look ahead with optimism, carrying the ambitious spirit of the Horse into the year ahead.
Gwenn Sonck, Ambassador Fei Shengchao, Barbara Dietrich, Jean Aznar
