China is rapidly evolving from the world's factory into a leading player in innovation, technology, and industrial progress. This evolution is also opening new doors for West Flanders companies: from strategic collaborations and knowledge exchange to international growth opportunities.
During the seminar ‘Collaborating with China: New Innovation Opportunities for West Flanders’, you will discover how China can be a valuable innovation partner for our region today. Entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts share inspiring insights, practical experiences, and forward-looking visions regarding collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation in a rapidly changing world.
Program
17:00 – Welcome – Speaker: Jean de Bethune, Deputy of the Provincial Government of West Flanders
17:10 – Keynote – China as a driver of innovation – what does this mean for our companies? Speaker: Lieven Danneels (CEO Televic)
17:30 – Panel discussion – Collaborating with China: innovation opportunities for the West Flanders industry
Panel members: Arne Depuydt (CEO Zygo), Niko Dierickx (General Manager AZ Sint-Lucas), Roy Van Coillie (CEO Ingenix)
18:00 – Q&A
18:20 – Vision – Europe must embrace China – Speaker: Charles Beauduin (CEO Vandewiele)
18:30 – Word of thanks – Speaker: H.E. Fei Shengchao, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Belgium
18:40 – Closing remarks – Speaker: Carl Decaluwé, Provincial Governor of West Flanders
19:00 – Networking drinks
Moderator: Francesca Vanthielen
Practical information:
Language: Dutch-Chinese (simultaneous translation)
Date: September 9, 2026
Time: 17:00 – 19:00
Location: Vives, Xaverianenstraat 10, 8200 Sint-Michiels
Price: free
Participation: Participation is free, but please register in advance via the button below:
