Editor's note: The Secretariat of the China-Europe Business Council is hosted by the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. This article reflects the Secretariat's​ views and not necessarily those of CGTN. It has been translated from Chinese and edited for clarity and brevity.

For companies operating between China and Europe, the key question today is not whether the two markets remain connected, but how those ties can become more stable and sustainable in a changing global economy.

The latest China-EU trade consultations in Beijing offered a new indication that both sides are seeking to manage differences while keeping economic links open. On October 8 and 9, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao and European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic jointly chaired the second meeting of the China-EU Trade and Investment Consultation Mechanism. The two sides reached a 16-point consensus covering areas including trade, investment and industrial cooperation.

The discussions came at a time when businesses worldwide are reassessing supply chains, investment strategies and market priorities. For companies with operations in both China and Europe, greater predictability has become a key factor in decisions on production, innovation and long-term expansion.

The scale of China-Europe economic ties remains significant. Trade in goods between China and the European Union reached $828.1 billion in 2025, while two-way investment exceeded $280 billion by the end of the year.

But these figures represent more than trade volumes. Behind them are years of investment, technology partnerships and supply chain links built by companies on both sides. A factory project can take years from planning to production, while research cooperation requires sustained commitment before innovations reach the market.

For businesses, stable economic relations are therefore not simply a diplomatic objective. They directly influence investment confidence, operating costs and future growth.

The experience of the China-Europe Business Council reflects this broader business reality. Established in 2021, the council now includes 147 member companies from 21 countries, including 52 Fortune Global 500 companies. Its growth reflects continued interest among businesses in maintaining engagement and finding practical solutions in a changing environment.

Across industries, companies on both sides are becoming increasingly interconnected. Many European firms are integrating their China operations into global strategies, using the country not only as a major market but also as a hub for innovation, research and supply chain development.

Chinese companies are also expanding their presence in Europe through manufacturing investment, service networks and technological cooperation. These efforts are creating new industrial links and changing the way businesses participate in each other's markets.

As a result, China-Europe economic ties are increasingly shaped by investment, innovation and industrial cooperation, rather than trade alone.

At the same time, deeper economic connections do not remove differences. Companies continue to face challenges related to market access, regulatory requirements, competition and intellectual property protection.

For businesses, uncertainty can lead to higher costs, delayed investment decisions and more complicated supply chain planning. Addressing these concerns through communication and consultation is becoming increasingly important for maintaining confidence.

Business communities on both sides have continued to call for clearer rules, stronger communication channels and a more predictable environment for long-term cooperation. For companies making decisions that involve years of investment, stability remains one of the most important considerations.

Looking ahead, emerging sectors could provide new opportunities for China-Europe cooperation. Green development, the digital economy, advanced manufacturing and healthcare are areas where both sides have strong market demand and complementary strengths.

The challenge will be turning these opportunities into practical cooperation while managing differences in a constructive way. This requires not only policy dialogue but also continued engagement among companies, industries and markets.

China-Europe economic ties have been built over decades through choices made by businesses on both sides. Their future will depend on whether companies can continue to invest, innovate and operate with greater confidence.

The latest trade consultations show that dialogue remains an important tool for maintaining economic links. The next step will be ensuring that discussions translate into outcomes that create greater certainty and opportunity for businesses in both markets.