Discover innovation in China. Exclusive inspiration trip to Zhejiang province led by Provincial Governor Carl Decaluwé.
• Do you want to innovate and discover groundbreaking ideas?
• Do you want to discover China's technological leading edge and visit advanced technological companies?
• Do you want to network with Chinese managers and Belgian expats?
• Do you want to take advantage of the bilateral cooperation between the provinces of West Flanders and Zhejiang?
Take this unique opportunity and travel to Zhejiang, China's innovative hotspot and sister province of West Flanders, from 25 to 31 May, 2025.
What to expect?
• Visits to advanced technological companies
• Inspiring meetings with pioneers in industry
• Unique networking moments with Chinese and Belgian top managers
25 years ago West Flanders and Zhejiang signed a friendship agreement that would lead to a valuable partnership in academic exchanges, medical services and the circular economy.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of this successful cooperation, the Province of West Flanders and the Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce (FCCC) are organizing an exclusive innovation trip to Zhejiang. This trip, led by Provincial Governor Carl Decaluwé, is also a unique opportunity to discover what innovation could offer in the future. Professor Dr. Rudy Aernoudt, Economics Professor at UGhent, is providing contextual advice for the trip.
Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province and home base of e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, has been nominated the best city for innovation. The city, where the gaming company Netease and Geely Auto are also located, has invested extensively in science and technology.
Following are four reasons to participate in the innovation trip with exclusive visits to some of the “six tigers” of Hangzhou (Brainco, Unitree, DeepSeek, Gamescience, etc.) and of course Alibaba!
Do you want to innovate and are looking for ideas? Zhejiang is one of the most dynamic provinces of China and a pioneer in the fields of technology, e-commerce, sustainability and innovative industries. China, the second largest economy in the world, has an enormous market potential and the innovative capacity of the country is constantly growing. Cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai have become breeding grounds of advanced technology.
Do you want to be introduced to China's innovation and visit advanced technology companies? The innovation trip will take you to Hangzhou, home of the “six tigers”, including Brainco (brain computer interface), Unitree (robots), DeepSeek (AI start-up) en Gamescience (Wukong game). These high-tech companies are considered the beginning of a transformative period for the city. We will visit a few of them, such as Leapmotor (electric vehicles), Alibaba (e-commerce) and Ant Group (fintech). A visit to Shanghai will follow, the financial heart of China, an international maritime center and world leader in container handling. CEOs and experts from China's technology sector will accompany you on the company visits.
Do you want to meet Chinese company leaders and Belgian expats? In addition to official activities and company visits, the program also includes info-sessions and networking events, where you will have the opportunity to make business contacts. Following registration, you will receive a template to indicate your details and targets so we can facilitate relevant business contacts in cooperation with the Flemish Economic Representative of Flanders Investment & Trade.
Do you want to surf on the unique opportunities that the bilateral cooperation between West Flanders and Zhejiang is offering? This innovation trip offers an exclusive insight into the cooperation with Zhejiang and the future of innovation in China. Do not miss this opportunity to participate in an inspiring trip to one of the most innovative regions in the world.
PARTICIPANTS
The program is multi-sectoral.
The number of participants is limited to 25, early registration is advised.
PROGRAM
25/05: Departure to Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province
26/05: Hangzhou: company visits
27/05: Hangzhou: Innovation seminar, company visits and gala “Celebration of 25 years of bilateral cooperation”
28/05: Hangzhou: company visits
29/05: Hangzhou and Shanghai: Transfer to Shanghai and company visits
30/05: Shanghai: closing seminar, company visits and networking event at the Belgian Consulate-General
31/05: Departure to Brussels or participation in the optional program “World Expo Japan”
PRICE
Travel and accommodation
• Basic price: €4,889
• Single supplement: €449
• Business supplement: €3,325
SUBSIDIES, COST OF TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Also for start-ups!
Costs of travel and accommodation are to be paid by the company. Under certain circumstances, FIT may provide financial support. For more information: https://export.flandersinvestmentandtrade.com/nl/subsidie
Do you want more information or are you persuaded to join? Read more via the following link: https://wetu.com/Itinerary/
MORE QUESTIONS?
ALK BUSINESS TRAVEL
W: https://alk.be/business-travel/ E: Geert.gaens@alk.be
China Office of the Province of West Flanders
W: west-vlaanderen.be/ E: kristien.vandamme@west-vlaanderen.be
FCCC
W: https://www.flanders-china.be E: Gwenn.sonck@flanders-china.be
