NIRA brought a 17-company Belgian business delegation to Shanghai on October 11–12 for site visits and dialogues to advance practical bilateral cooperation across AI, new retail, food industry and diamond trade.
On October 11-12, a delegation comprising representatives from 17 Belgian companies visited Shanghai under the organization of the Global New Industrial Revolution Alliance (NIRA). Its members cover a broad range of sectors, including infrastructure and construction, industrial transport equipment, food industry automation, economic policy research, and industrial cooperation.
On the afternoon of October 11, the delegation visited hanghai Foundation Model Innovation Center (SMC), an AI innovation hub in Xuhui District. The Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board (Invest Shanghai) outlined Shanghai’s progress in developing its five global centres for economy, finance, trade, shipping, and technological innovation, alongside recent trends in foreign investment. It also presented the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair (CSITF), and the 2nd Overseas Investment and Comprehensive Service Fair & Matchmaking Event, inviting Belgian companies to explore business partnerships in priority sectors such as new energy vehicles and biomedicine.
The Business Service Center of Xuhui District presented the district’s business environment, highlighting its longstanding economic and trade ties with Belgium and its strengths in science, technology, and innovation. Participants held in-depth discussions on manufacturing reshoring in Belgium, the complementary industrial strengths of China and Europe, and opportunities for practical trade and economic cooperation. Chinese companies Alibaba and Shanghai Zero One PraxisTechnology held business matchmaking discussions with their Belgian counterparts. Participants outlined plans to establish regular channels of communication in artificial intelligence, smart buildings, and the food industry, and to advance potential projects through follow-up engagement.
On the morning of October 12, the delegation visited Dewu Group’s headquarters in Yangpu District and met with representatives of the Yangpu District Commission of Commerce and Dewu (Poizon). The Commission provided an overview of the district, highlighting its science and technology resources, distinctive digital economy sectors, and opportunities for international cooperation. Dewu Group introduced its platform business model, user ecosystem, and international partnerships. Chinese and Belgian participants exchanged views on cooperation between Chinese and European platform businesses, mutual recognition of standards, cross-border data governance, consumer protection, and two-way investment. Both sides expressed their intention to continue exploring opportunities for China–Europe cooperation in the online economy and new retail.
On the afternoon of October 12, the delegation toured a Freshippo store in Pudong before visiting the company’s headquarters. Shanghai Jinqiao Group presented Jinqiao’s investment environment, highlighting institutional innovations in the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the availability of business and industrial premises, and services supporting companies throughout their development. Freshippo introduced its on-demand retail model, which integrates stores and fulfilment operations, as well as its global supply chain network and digital operations. Representatives of the Belgian companies presented their businesses and expressed interest in investment and partnerships in China. Discussions focused on food supply chain development, the introduction of nutrition and health products, AI applications in food processing, and two-way trade and investment. Participants explored practical ways to connect Belgium’s high-quality food products and suppliers with China’s consumer market.
During their stay in Shanghai, the delegation also visited the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and met with its President, Lin Qiang. The meeting strengthened mutual understanding and established contacts for future exchanges and cooperation.
Source: Invest Shanghai
