Holiday message from European chamber Nanjing chapter Go back »

2023-12-18 | Nanjing

Dear Members, 

The festive season is in front of us and we are about to bid farewell to another transformative year. Therefore I want to take the opportunity to extend my sincerest and heartiest wishes to all of you.

It is also traditionally the time to reflect on our shared journey and look forward to the promising opportunities that is lying ahead of us. This year has started with a significant positive change: the lifting of Covid travel restrictions in China. The long expected reopening to the rest of the world has facilitated business travel, has resumed the personal exchanges with your Headquarters and has ended operational challenges. This pivotal development not only underscores the resilience of our global business community but also signifies the dawn of a new era supposed to be marked by collaboration and growth.

However, we have not been totally freed from new challenges that have emerged in the economic landscape, with the global and Chinese economic slowdown impacting businesses, especially those of our SME members. We understand the difficulties many of you are still facing and are standing together in navigating through various uncertainties.

On a positive note, the collaboration between China and Europe, spanning from top leadership to grassroots initiatives, continues to thrive. This resilience indicates slightly encouraging developments in the China-EU relations. In the Nanjing Chapter we have over the past year actively contributed to this collaborative spirit by publishing a local position paper and engaging in close, fruitful discussions with key leaders of government departments in Jiangsu and Nanjing. Our efforts included impactful meetings with the Jiangsu governor, the secretaries of Jiangsu and Nanjing CPC, as well as dialogues with the Jiangsu Department of Commerce, Jiangsu Department of Emergency Management, Jiangsu Department of Industry and Information Technology, Jiangsu Power Exchange Center, and more.

The open dialogue and unconditional positive reception of our recommendations, based on your inputs and feedback, underscore the significance of our Chamber Chapter's purpose. We remain committed to fostering strong ties within our region, to overcoming challenges, and to collectively contributing to the continued growth and prosperity of the European business community.

Looking ahead, our commitment to fostering dialogue remains unchanged. In the coming year; we plan to broaden the communication with various government departments at different levels. Thereby it is always our goal to address your concerns and challenges, targeting to positively shaping a beneficial business environment for you, our members. Additionally, we will organize more seminars on pressing business topics, such as ESG and HR trends, alongside vibrant social events and initiatives that contribute to the positive dynamics of our community. We are also thrilled to explore opportunities with Chinese companies and extend our reach beyond Nanjing, seeking investment and business development prospects in other Jiangsu cities. In all our activities and initiative we are aiming to follow your valuable input and feedback for the Chamber’s work scope in our region.

It is also the time to express gratitude for the accomplishments and support, we could enjoy during this year. In this regard, I want to sincerely thank all of you, our members, partners, and supporters. Your dedication has been the driving force for our successful work in supporting the European Business community in Jiangsu. Looking into next year, I am eagerly looking forward to a  continued collaboration that targets to positively shape our common future.

Last but not least, I am wishing you all in the name of the European Chamber Nanjing Chapter a joyous holiday season filled with love, warmth, happiness, and moments of reflection.

Merry Christmas and a good start into a Happy New Year 2024!

With warm regards,

I remain

Sincerely Yours,

Dr. Andreas Risch

Nanjing Chapter Chair,
European Chamber of Commerce in China