On 8 November 2025, the EU SME Centre, in cooperation with the European Chamber’s Shanghai Chapter, organised its government dialogue as a side event to the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the world’s largest import-focused fair.
Under the theme “Empowering SMEs through Smarter Financing – Building Resilience, Driving Growth”, the dialogue brought together SME representatives, industry stakeholders, and officials from the Shanghai Municipal Government to exchange views on policies, challenges, and solutions aimed at improving European SMEs’ access to financing and enhancing their overall financing experience.
In his opening, Carlo Diego D’Andrea, Vice President of the European Chamber and Chairman of the Shanghai Board, emphasised the vital role SMEs play in the Chinese and European economies. He highlighted challenges such as cash flow and access to finance faced by these enterprises and expressed gratitude for the support of the Shanghai Municipal Government.
Dongbin He, Deputy Director-General of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, outlined Shanghai’s key features that make Shanghai an attractive destination for foreign investment. He noted that, according to a World Bank report, Shanghai ranks among the top globally for its business environment, particularly in terms of access to financing and fair competition. He introduced several initiatives designed to support SME development, including government-guaranteed loans for all SMEs, programmes for the gardient cultivation of high-quality SMEs, and measures encouraging large companies to open their supply chains to smaller firms. He reaffirmed the city’s commitment to supporting both foreign and domestic SMEs through a wide range of policy tools and encouraged continued exchanges and dialogue at all levels in Shanghai.
Ester Cañada Amela, Advocacy Manager at the EU SME Centre, presented findings from sectoral research and the European Chamber’s Business Confidence Survey, identifying issues like late payments and high employment costs as significant barriers for foreign SMEs in China.
Tao Ying Ling, CEO of Siemens Financial Services, discussed the crucial role of non-banking financial institutions in facilitating access to finance for SMEs.
During the roundtable, Andrea Alcini and Yannick Martin, Chair and Vice-chair of the Shanghai SME Forum, raised operational challenges such as talent retention and government support accessibility. They engaged directly with representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service and the Municipal Office for Promoting the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises, who provided insights on available subsidy programmes.
The event offered a rich exchange of perspectives, addressing financing concerns and exploring opportunities for SMEs in China, ultimately fostering dialogue around practical solutions for sustainability.
