Editor's note: Liu Mingli is deputy director of Institute of European Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Currently, the world has been undergoing new changes. On the global stage, unilateralism and protectionism from US bring risks to the stability of the world economy. In Europe, the UK is leaving the European Union by the end of March 2019. In China, a new round of reform and opening-up is underway. 

All these fundamental changes will affect China-Netherlands relations. The Chinese premier's first visit in 14 years shows that the new world situation brings new opportunities for further bilateral cooperation.

First of all, the two sides could enhance cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative. Since the initiative is to build connectivity between countries, the Netherlands as the transportation hub of Europe, has obvious advantages in this respect. For example, Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe, Amsterdam has the fourth largest airport in Europe, and the logistics network in Netherlands is well developed.

More importantly, the Netherlands has a positive and pragmatic attitude towards the initiative. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed earlier this year that the Netherlands would love to participate in the initiative. 

Additionally, seven Chinese cities have direct flights to Amsterdam, several trains have started operations between China and the Netherlands, and a quarter of the daily cargo entering Rotterdam comes from China. More cooperation could be expected during this visit.

The second could be cooperation in the support of free trade. The Netherlands is an open economy and a supporter of free trade at both the European level and on the world stage. Protectionism from the Trump administration puts the Netherlands' economy at risk. 

According to Economist Intelligence Unit, one major risk the country is facing is getting caught in a global trade war. So, as important trade partners, it is reasonable for the Netherlands and China to find ways to avoid this kind of risk. In terms of trade, decision-making is in the hands of EU institutions. With UK leaving the European Union, the Netherlands' position and influence seems to be more important for EU-China cooperation on trade.

Thirdly, the two sides could increase investment to each other. As a developed economy, the Netherlands is competitive in both traditional industries like chemical, food, machinery, electronics, and emerging industries including environmental protection, new energy, life science and new materials.

As China pledges to further open up, the Netherlands' enterprises have more business opportunities in Chinese market. In the meantime, China's outbound investment has also risen in recent years. In some countries, it has caused concerns, but in the Netherlands, the policy is pragmatic and Chinese investment is welcomed.

Last November, in view of Brexit, the European Council announced the relocation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) from London to Amsterdam, which shows the good business environment in the Netherlands. With Premier Li Keqiang's visit, more investment from China could also be expected.

The fourth is financial cooperation. The Netherlands is one of the sources of modern finance and is still one of the financial centers in Europe. Amsterdam's digital telecommunications lines, widespread use of English, skilled local staff and its transport links with other major European cities are very attractive to financial firms. 

With the UK's departure from the EU, some financial businesses may leave London for the European continent, which brings new opportunities to the Netherlands. In addition, the Netherlands as one of the founding member of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, have a strong interest in working with China in financial field. Further cooperation in this area serves the interest of both sides.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com.)