As small and medium-sized enterprises continue to play a vital role in driving innovation and growth across China and the EU, access to effective and appropriate financing tools remains one of their most pressing challenges.
In the current economic environment of heightened competition, pricing pressures, and overall cost concerns, maintaining healthy cashflow has become an increasing challenge for SMEs, including foreign ones. Access to effective financing is therefore a critical factor for business resilience and competitiveness, particularly in today’s fast-evolving policy and market landscape.
This session, organised by the EU SME Centre and the European Chamber during the China International Import Expo (CIIE), will take a practical look at the financing realities for SMEs in China. Speakers will share insights on available financing policies, schemes, and incentives, and explore how to integrate financial strategies with talent retention and technology adoption. Real-world examples and case studies will illustrate approaches that address both immediate financing needs and long-term business sustainability.
Participants will also have the opportunity to engage directly with speakers during the Q&A segment, allowing them to raise their own challenges and explore practical solutions relevant to their business.
Eligibility and registration
This SME Government Dialogue is open, free of charge, to selected European SMEs from EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme. This event will take place at the CIIE in Shanghai; online attendance is not possible for this session.
Please note that access to this event requires a special pass. If you already hold a pass to the China International Import Expo (CIIE), it will also grant you access to this side event. If not, please contact Ms Minjia Wu by email by 24 October COB to apply for a separate event pass (this pass does not allow entry to the main CIIE venue).
Agenda
China Standard Time (CST)
15:45–16:15
Registration and networking
16:15–16:20
Opening remarks
16:20–16:25
Remarks from the leadership of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce
16:25–16:40
Overview of SME interests and concerns
Ester Cañada Amela, Advocacy Manager, EU SME Centre
16:40–17:00
Keynote speech 1: Access to financing avenues for SMEs
17:00–17:20
Keynote speech 2: Human Capital Meets Financial Planning: Enabling SME Competitiveness
Haifeng Yan, professor of International Business at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) Business School
17:20–18:00
Roundtable discussion and policy interpretation with Chinese policymakers
Panelists:
- Andrea Alcini, Chair of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum, European Chamber
- Yannick Martin, Vice Chair of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Forum, European Chamber
18:00–18:10
Q&A session
18:10–18:15
Closing remarks
