Global The Hague

Optimising the global economy

His Excellency Zhang Jun took up his post as Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands one year ago. Global the Hague was privileged to partake of his hospitality at the beautiful Chinese
Embassy at The Hague’s Willem Lodewijklaan.

Although the Netherlands may be a mere speck on the world map, many Chinese take an active interest in our country and culture. The majority of Chinese people have heard of Dutch masters Rembrandt and Van Gogh, while many are also familiar with such national Dutch symbols as cloudy skies, windmills and tulips. Yet the main factor that links China and
the Netherlands is the global economy. Particularly in these tough economic times, both countries must strengthen our cooperation and improve their competencies to be able to serve each other more effectively. Ambassador Zhang plays a key role in this process: ‘Due to my working experience in the Chinese Central Government in the past few years, I am fully aware of the importance of the Sino-Dutch relations. As Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, my primary task is to promote bilateral relations, from which, I believe, both sides benefit. The stable trade relations between the Netherlands and China, which dates back centuries , are more important than ever in this uncertain time.’

 
Impressed by Dutch involvement
‘I first arrived in the Netherlands at the end of April 2008, not long after the South West of China was hit by a powerful earthquake. The earthquake caused immense damage, tens of thousands died and millions of others have been affected. I was deeply impressed by the involvement of the Dutch people after this terrible disaster: they not only organised humanitarian aid efforts, but I also received personal messages from several ministers. Even Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands expressed her sympathy. I was deeply touched by the overwhelming
interest and concern shown by the Dutch people. Although the Dutch media coverage sometimes shows their one-sided or even biased view of China, more and more Dutch people have a better understanding of China thanks to last year’s Olympic Games, which presented not only high-level sport competitions but also Chinese culture and development to the outside world. I’m confident that through constant exchanges and communications, the mutual understanding between our two peoples can be further improved.‘

Bright Perspective of Bilateral Relations ‘China is one of the major players of the world and offers a huge market for businesses in the Netherlands, for example, in areas such as agriculture, water management, high-technology, clean energy and logistics. Despite the current credit crisis that has affected so many parts of the world, the Chinese banking industry is solid and functioning well. Although we naturally experienced some tough times as well, we are back on the road to recovery and the economic growth of China will remain strong.
According to experts, the worst period is over, and we will see more positive signs in the second half of this year, which means more opportunities for Dutch businesses in China. China is willing to work together with all nations to cope with challenges and seek for common development on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit. China has been a good business partner to the Netherlands, and vice versa. The prospect of bilateral cooperation is broad and Shanghai Expo 2010 will offer another golden opportunity for promoting our partnership. It’s
a classic case of a win-win situation.‘