Chongqing—Economic cooperation between China and the Netherlands continues to flourish, underpinned by a high degree of complementarity and a shared commitment to sustainable development. Huub Buise, Minister Counsellor for Economy and Trade of the Netherlands, stated this during an exclusive interview with Bridging News on May 22.
Huub Buise, Minister Counsellor for Economy and Trade of the Netherlands, shared the cooperation between China and the Netherlands with Bridging News. (Photo/Netherlands Pavilion)
Strengthening global hydrogen and renewable energy collaboration
Data shows that bilateral trade has exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars annually for four consecutive years, and the Netherlands remains one of China's top investment destinations within the European Union.
This strong economic foundation is now being further expanded into sustainable development, particularly in energy transition, a global challenge both countries are actively addressing.
The Dutch government has pledged to invest 500 million euros by 2030 to develop a world-leading hydrogen industry cluster, while China is the world’s largest hydrogen market and a global leader in renewable energy capacity. Together, they complement each other in the development of hydrogen energy and have the potential to reshape the global energy trade landscape.
Buise added that "China is instrumental in the energy transition thanks to its strengths in solar and offshore wind power. "These capabilities can support Europe's move from grey to green hydrogen."
He added that once the hydrogen hub is established in the Netherlands, it will serve as a distribution center, exporting green hydrogen through the Port of Rotterdam to neighboring countries such as Germany, Belgium, and France.
This growing emphasis on sustainability is also reflected in the evolving strategies of Dutch businesses. "Our companies are looking for investment opportunities that align with sustainable values," Buise noted. "They want to build partnerships in regions where they can operate responsibly and make a positive environmental impact."
Chongqing: A hub for sustainability and cross-border trade
Reflecting on his time in China, Buise shared a personal connection to Chongqing, where he lived for three years. Returning to the city for the 7th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT), he said, felt like coming home. "Every time I return, I'm amazed by how quickly Chongqing is transforming," he said.
Buise pointed to advancements in logistics among the city's notable developments. He highlighted the increasing frequency of China Railway Express trains to the Netherlands and the consistently high cargo volumes as a sign of deepening connectivity and trade efficiency.
Beyond logistics and trade, the Netherlands is also promoting knowledge exchange in green and smart urban development. According to Buise, delegations of Chinese experts—including those from Chongqing—have visited the Netherlands to explore circular economy models and environmentally friendly building practices.
Buise noted that several major Dutch companies are already active in western China, particularly in Chongqing. One example is the Solidaridad Network Foundation, which established its Chongqing office in 2024. The organization is dedicated to advancing sustainable supply chains across a wide range of commodities, including cocoa, coffee, cotton and textiles, fruits and vegetables, gold, leather, livestock, palm oil, soybeans, sugar, and tea.
Another notable collaboration is the development of the master plan for Chongqing's new Bishan Airport, led by Netherlands Airport Consultants (NACO), a subsidiary of Royal HaskoningDHV. With more than 75 years of expertise, NACO is a world-renowned leader in airport consultancy and engineering, which can offer experiences to Chongqing in aviation infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Buise said the Netherlands and Chongqing plan to expand cooperation in key areas such as the circular economy, green building, and carbon trading, further deepening their partnership in sustainable development.