Xavier Bettel and Lex Delles continue their economic mission in China in Shanghai

The two ministers were first received by the mayor of Shanghai, Gong Zheng, for an exchange of views on subjects of common interest, particularly those linked to the sustainable development of cities and regions. Shanghai is the world leader in the production of electric vehicles, as well as being the city with the most vehicle registrations (1.4 million). Avenues for collaboration were discussed in the fields of research, logistics, clean technologies and tourism. Minister Delles also met the mayor of Changzhou, Sheng Lei, to discuss industrial developments in the province and possible cooperation in the industry.

Ministers Bettel and Delles then attended demonstrations of cutting-edge automotive equipment. Futurus Technology, an innovator in the field of head-up displays, presented the ministers with its new generation of products offering augmented reality functionalities. Xpeng, an independent car manufacturer, focuses on the development, construction and sale of electric and intelligent vehicles. Avenues for collaboration with the Grand Duchy were discussed with the two companies. The ministers also held talks with several companies operating in Luxembourg or wishing to develop their business in Europe.

The ministers then attended a working lunch organised by the Luxembourg Trade and Investment Office (LTIO) in Shanghai, bringing together some ten representatives of major Luxembourg companies active in China.

The Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Ministry of the Economy and Luxinnovation, then organised the Luxembourg-China Business Forum Shanghai, which brought together more than 80 representatives of Chinese companies and more than 60 representatives of Luxembourg companies. After the opening speech by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, the Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism gave a keynote speech.

In the sidelines of the Forum, the ministers signed three Memoranda of Understanding between Luxembourg and Chinese companies.

The first day in Shanghai ended with an official reception organised by the Chamber of Commerce and attended by more than 200 participants from Luxembourg and China. The ministers exchanged views with entrepreneurs and the Luxembourg community in China.

The following day, the ministers visited the new factory of CEBI, a flagship of Luxembourg industry that has been present in China for 20 years. With the new production lines, the company now employs 270 people in China, bringing the total workforce to 3,300 in 13 countries.

Minister Delles also visited the production site of Higer Bus, which produces electric buses. Accompanied by the directors of Demy Schandeler, the Minister was briefed on the production capacity and took part in the handover of the keys of 11 purchased electric buses, which will join the electric fleet of the Grand Duchy in 2025, contributing to the green transition of public transport in Luxembourg. Finally, Minister Delles attended a reception organised by Chinalux, where he met representatives of Chinese companies active in Luxembourg and Luxembourg companies active in China.

Minister Xavier Bettel stated: Today, at a time when the geopolitical and geo-economic landscape has become increasingly complex, Luxembourg remains committed to a mutually beneficial and forward-looking relationship with China, based on mutual respect and a level playing field. The many exchanges we have had underline the potential for growth and cooperation that exists between Shanghai, the Yangtze River Delta and Luxembourg.

The Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy and Tourism, Lex Delles, commented:

Shanghai is at the forefront of innovation in many key areas, including green mobility and clean technologies. We can't decarbonise our economy alone. Exchanges with Chinese companies show that there is real potential for collaboration in these and other areas. By exploring new opportunities, this economic mission has helped to support our companies in their search for new partnerships, to create an environment in which they can make valuable contacts with leaders in their fields, and to position Luxembourg as a trusted European partner for innovation.

Xavier Bettel will conclude the economic mission with a programme in Hong Kong on 29 November.

Press release by the Ministry of the Economy and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade