In a testament to the robust economic relationship between China and Belgium, bilateral trade has reached new heights, fostering increased collaboration and mutual benefits for both nations.

The flourishing trade ties were highlighted during the 22nd meeting of China-Belgium-Luxemburg Intergovernmental Mixed Commission on Economy and Trade held in Beijing on Dec 19. It focused on fostering increased trade volumes, encouraging investments and exploring joint ventures that capitalize on the strengths of each nation.

Ling Ji, vice-minister of commerce and China's deputy international trade representative, co-chaired the meeting alongside Theodora Gentzis, secretary-general of the Belgian ministry of foreign affairs, and Jean Olinger, secretary-general of the ministry of foreign and European affairs of Luxembourg.

Ling emphasized the sustained and healthy development of economic and trade relations between China and Belgium in recent years. He said that the cooperation spans various sectors, including trade, investment, connectivity and practical collaboration among regions and enterprises.

China remains committed to optimizing its business environment, extending a warm welcome to Belgian enterprises to invest in the country. Ling emphasized China's willingness to broaden the importation of high-quality products and services from Belgium, and strengthen relations in green and low-carbon initiatives, as well as the digital economy.

Gentzis, representing Belgium, underscored the nation's high regard for economic and trade cooperation with China. She expressed the hope that China would expand market access for Belgian agricultural products and encouraged Chinese enterprises to expand investments in Belgium.

She is also keen on enhanced cooperation in logistics, chemicals and biopharmaceuticals, aiming to elevate the overall level of economic and trade relations.

Beyond economic ties, China and Belgium are ushering in a new era of collaboration, as both nations explore avenues for strengthened bilateral cooperation across economic, cultural and diplomatic fronts.

During the recent China-Belgium political consultation held in Beijing, Deng Li, vice-minister of foreign affairs, said that Belgium is a vital partner of China in Europe.

China is willing to work with Belgium to promote exchanges at all levels, deepen bilateral ties, tap the potential in logistics, the chemical industry, green development, port logistics and other fields, and expand two-way people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Deng said.

He expressed the hope that the two sides will take the Belgian presidency of the European Union in the first half of 2024 as an opportunity to strengthen communication and coordination between China and the EU and inject more stability into a volatile and intertwined world.

Gentzis said during the meeting that Belgium attaches great importance to bilateral relations and looks forward to close communication with China at all levels to enhance mutual understanding, deepen cooperation in various fields, assist personnel exchanges and strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs. Belgium is willing to contribute to the sound and stable development of EU-China relations, she added.