The cooperation between Vlaams-Brabant and Chengdu, established in 2011, focuses on economy, innovation, education, logistics, and institutional collaboration. The Chinese delegation, led by the Chengdu Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, included representatives from the Chengdu Hi-Tech Zone, the Chengdu Development and Reform Commission, and the Chengdu People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. "We want to continue this cooperation with a clear focus, paying special attention to existing partnerships and concrete opportunities for companies and knowledge institutions in Vlaams-Brabant," stated Ann Schevenels, deputy for internationalization.
The panda statue, a beloved symbol of Chengdu, will be permanently placed in the Provinciehuis. In return, the visitors will receive a package of regional products from Odette Noisette, a finalist for Product Made in Vlaams-Brabant.
China remains a significant market for companies from Vlaams-Brabant. In 2025, 51 companies applied for 1,964 origin certificates for China, representing a goods value of approximately 1.06 billion euros. Opportunities are particularly strong in healthcare, logistics, cleantech, and food. Chengdu can serve as a gateway to Western China and recently established a direct air link with Brussels Airport. To further support businesses, the province of Vlaams-Brabant, in collaboration with VOKA Vlaams-Brabant, plans a trade mission to Chengdu in the autumn of 2027.
Education and research also form a key pillar of the cooperation. Groep T is strengthening ties with Sichuan University, the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, and Southwest Jiaotong University, with an emphasis on student and research exchanges and talent development.
