2024 EU-Guangzhou Business Dialogue was held on January 24 to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Guangzhou and EU countries.
Statistics show that the EU was Guangzhou's largest trading partner in 2023, with a total import and export value exceeding 180 billion yuan, representing a year-on-year growth of 6.6%.
As of December 2023, the EU has invested in 1,101 enterprises in Guangzhou, with actual foreign investment totaling 2.109 billion US dollars. Many European companies have deeply participated in the city's construction and development, benefiting from the vibrant economy, extensive market opportunities, and open and stable business environment in Guangzhou, and achieving better development.
It is estimated that the GDP of Guangzhou will exceed 3 trillion yuan in 2023, further upgrading the city's level, which will bring more business opportunities and provide a broader development space for European companies. The representative from the Guangzhou Government expressed gratitude to European companies for their long-term investment and business development in Guangzhou. He indicated that Guangzhou would continue to provide convenient conditions and quality services for European companies, working together to achieve high-quality development.
Klaus Zenkel, Vice President of the European Chamber and Chair of the South China Chapter, stated in his speech that since establishing the Guangzhou office in 2006, they have maintained close contact with the Guangzhou Municipal Government. He believed that in the future, the two sides will have more extensive cooperation in areas such as new manufacturing, new technology, new infrastructure, and new lifestyles.
Representatives from attending companies showed keen interest in the latest developments and trends, such as tax incentives in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, convenient entry and exit measures, consumption promotion, green and low-carbon, new energy, biomedicine, and modern services. The responsible officials present addressed the questions and concerns raised by the companies, aiming to enhance service quality and depth.
After the meeting, the representatives visited the Sino-Singapore Guangzhou Knowledge City for investigation and research.