The Belgian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BCECC) and KU Leuven are delighted to invite you to our event “600 Years of Knowledge, 50 Years of Diplomacy: The Future of EU-China Industry” on June 5, 2025 at 15:30 CET. Celebrate 600 years of KU Leuven and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and China together with us, in the presence of Governor Jan Spooren, internationally renowned keynote speaker Pascal Coppens and other distinguished guests!
This event will explore how industry policy has evolved over the centuries in both the EU and China, and how these long-standing traditions are shaping current approaches to innovation, sustainability, and economic strategy. With the global industrial landscape shifting rapidly, this is an opportunity to reflect on what the EU and China can learn from one another in navigating the challenges of the 21st century.
Before or after the event, you also have the possibility to visit the KU Leuven Library Tower at the discount price of €6/person. While climbing the tower you can enjoy the permanent exhibition about the stirring history of the University Library and its carillon tower.
Agenda:
15:30-16:30: Registration (with possibility to visit Library Tower)
16:30-16:40: Opening remarks by Mr. Bernard Dewit, Chairman of the BCECC
16:40-16:50: Speech by Mr. Jan Spooren, Governor of the Province of Flemish Brabant
16:50-17:10: “Lessons from 50 years of industrial policy: Implications for the EU & China in the 21st Century” by Ms. Dorien Emmers, Assistant Professor at the KU Leuven Chinese Studies Group & Department of Economics
17:10-17:25: “The importance of the life sciences and chemistry sector in Belgium” by Mr. Yves Verschueren, Managing Director of Essenscia
17:25-17:45: “China’s Innovation Miracle: What Huawei Reveals, and What Comes Next” by Mr. Pascal Coppens, Tech Entrepreneur and International Keynote Speaker of Nexxworks
17:45-18:00: Q&A session
18:00-19:00: Networking reception (with possibility to visit Library Tower)
Location:
East-Asian Library (LSIN), KU Leuven
Monseigneur Ladeuzeplein 21
B-3000 Leuven
Registration:
BCECC Members: €40/person (VAT Excl.)
Non-members: €80/person (VAT Excl.)
If you would like to visit the Library Tower at the discount price of €6/person, please tick the box in the registration form. Please note that refunds cannot be accommodated for cancellations made after the registration deadline.
Interested in attending our event? Please register yourself below before May 29, 2025!