BEIJING: Economic ties between China and the European Union are poised for further expansion, with robust momentum in green technology trade and investment underscoring their shared commitment to climate objectives and sustainable growth. Industry executives and analysts highlight that the deepening cooperation is underpinned by complementary strengths: China’s manufacturing capabilities and clean technology solutions are well-aligned with Europe’s strong regulatory frameworks, innovation ecosystems and growing market demand.
A notable example of this synergy is Pinnacle Sports Products (Suzhou) Co Ltd, a producer of electric scooters based in Jiangsu province. The company recently exported 4,537 scooters to the Netherlands, reflecting the surging appetite across Europe for environmentally friendly urban transport solutions. According to company president Yuan Di, the firm shipped over 80,000 electric scooters to key markets including France, Sweden and the Netherlands in the first five months of 2025.
Beyond trade, Chinese enterprises are also stepping up direct investment into Europe’s green sectors. From photovoltaic panels and energy storage systems to electric buses, China’s export portfolio in sustainable technology is expanding. Simultaneously, firms are establishing advanced manufacturing sites across Europe. Companies such as BYD Auto Co Ltd, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co and Hisense Group have built facilities in Hungary, Serbia, Portugal and Germany, producing batteries, electric vehicles and eco-friendly home appliances.
“These strategic investments reflect China’s tangible support for Europe’s energy transition and sustainability goals,” said Wang Zhimin, a researcher at the Academy of China Open Economy Studies, part of the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.
One case in point is Minth Group, a leading automotive components manufacturer headquartered in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. With a global workforce of more than 22,300, Minth has developed 16 production facilities in Serbia since 2019. The group specialises in manufacturing components for electric vehicles, including lightweight car bodies, battery housings and structural chassis parts.
“Serbia has become not only a critical manufacturing base, but also a pilot zone for Sino-EU joint innovation in green technologies,” said Yu Ke, head of the foreign trade unit at Ningbo Minth Automotive Parts Research and Development Co, a Minth subsidiary.
Ningbo Minth’s exports of automotive parts to Central and Eastern Europe reached 210 million yuan (approximately US$29.23 million) from January to May 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 400%, according to data from Ningbo Customs.
The benefits of these investments extend beyond environmental impact. Lin Meng, director of the modern supply chain research institute at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that Chinese green ventures in Europe are generating employment and enhancing the integration of upstream and downstream supply chains in host countries. This, she said, is fostering closer industrial and technological collaboration between Chinese and European businesses.
European firms are also deepening their engagement with China’s green economy. French industrial conglomerate Schneider Electric is among those leveraging the country’s scale and policy support. According to Yin Zheng, executive vice-president for China and East Asia operations, the company is delivering digital solutions across industries such as food and beverage, bio-pharmaceuticals and electronics.
“Our technologies help businesses enhance energy efficiency, reduce consumption and improve traceability and operational safety,” said Yin, emphasising Schneider Electric’s long-standing role in enabling low-carbon transformation across China’s core industrial sectors.
As both regions pursue carbon neutrality and sustainable industrial growth, the Sino-EU green partnership is set to become an increasingly influential axis of global climate cooperation.
-China Daily
