Recently, the closed-door salon “Rooted in China, Expanding into Europe — European Expansion for Industrial Companies: Strategy and Practice” was held at the G60 Sci-Tech Cloud Corridor. The event was jointly hosted by Shanghai Lingang United Development Co., Ltd. and Fanhai International School of Finance at Fudan University, with the Sino-Foreign Cooperative Design Alliance serving as a co-organizer. Nearly 50 decision-makers and cross-border service professionals attended.

A practical roadmap from market entry to local operations

Seven practitioners examined Europe expansion from multiple angles. The discussion covered Flanders as a location for European headquarters and R&D; tax planning and innovation incentives; localized sales channels and product adaptation; freedom-to-operate searches and international patent strategy; and the latest requirements for outbound investment, data and technology compliance.

The speakers emphasized that the traditional model of producing only in China and selling into Europe faces growing regulatory and market pressure. Companies need to treat compliance as a baseline, assess local manufacturing and R&D where appropriate, and translate local consumer insight into product, channel and brand decisions.

Compliance is becoming part of competitiveness

The EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism entered its definitive regime on 1 January 2026 and will be phased in alongside the gradual withdrawal of free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System. In China, State Council Decree No. 837, the Provisions on Outbound Investment, also took effect on 1 July 2026. The discussion highlighted the need to plan investment substance, filing, funding, intellectual property, technology transfer and cross-border data arrangements before execution.

From going global to building lasting global capability

The salon concluded that companies must move from product exports toward value creation and local roots. A “global vision, local depth” approach connects supply-chain strengths with market insight, compliance, design, brand building and long-term partnerships. SFCDA will continue to connect design, industry, education and international resources to support companies seeking sustainable global growth.

Official referenceEU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Official referenceChina's Provisions on Outbound Investment (State Council Decree No. 837)