VIP Meeting with Chengdu Mayor Wang Fengchao

2023-06-29 | Southwest China

On June 29th 2023, Massimo Bagnasco, vice president (VP) of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China and chair of the Southwest China Chapter, led a delegation of European Chamber members to meeting with Mr Wang Fengchao, mayor of Chengdu Municipal People’s Government. The Chamber members also attended the 17th European Union (EU)-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair in Chengdu from 30th June to 1st July 2023.

In the meeting, Mayor Wang Fengchao gave a general overview of Chengdu city and its economic and social development, including factors such as population and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. He noted that there are 13 direct flights between Chengdu and Europe, and that the EU is Chengdu’s third largest trade partner. Of the 22 consulates in Chengdu, seven are from EU Member States. Mayor Wang Fengchao suggested establishing regular dialogue with European Chamber in order to hear about members’ issues in a timely manner.

VP Bagnasco thanked the mayor for hosting the European Chamber delegation. He expressed his impression that Chengdu has good development momentum and great potential, and is willing to deepen communication and exchanges and promote cooperation in a pragmatic way. VP Bagnasco also highlighted the opportunities for cooperation brought by the construction of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle. He also presented the key findings of the Chamber’s newly launched European Business Confidence Survey 2023, in particular those relating to Southwest China. Members of the delegation introduced their companies to the mayor.

Prior to the meeting with the mayor, the delegation had a closed-door meeting with Chengdu authorities to discuss cooperation opportunities and the difficulties facing European companies operating locally. On 29th June, the delegation also attended a VIP reception dinner with representatives of the Chengdu authorities.

The 17th EU-China Business and Technology Cooperation Fair was held from 30th June to 1st July 2023. VP Bagnasco, vice president of the European Chamber, made an address at the opening ceremony, and several member companies attended the opening ceremony and the main forum.