Forty years ago this year, China, under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, decided to open up to the outside world and modernize.

Since then, the country has grown dramatically. For nearly 35 years, the focus was put on exports, leading China to become one of the world's leading economies and a major political power.

Five years ago, a new team led by President Xi Jinping arrived. Henceforth, the emphasis is no longer on growth at all costs but on qualitative growth with the priority given to improving the living conditions of the population and the development of domestic consumption.

China promotes green energy and plays a major role in shaping a global policy against global warming. Its role in the elaboration and endorsement of a resolution following the Paris Climate Conference illustrates this.

In solar energy and electric vehicles, China continues on its way. The country is at the forefront of research on artificial intelligence, robotics and digital technology in particular.

Chinese companies like Huawei, Alibaba and Tencent are now known around the world. Many large and medium-sized companies invest abroad, especially in Belgium.

Does this mean that Europe, and our country in particular, is in the process of under development and economic colonization? Certainly not.

Our companies are dynamic, and our universities are among the best in Europe and have innovative research centers. Many of our fellow citizens are trilingual or even quadrilingual. We have unique expertise in health care, social security and the service industry.

Do not see China as a predator that will become a vampire and leave us bloodless. We can be a partner of choice in a globalized and interconnected economy.

But this is not limited to digital commerce. See Volvo: This Swedish producer of motor vehicles was bought a few years ago by a Chinese manufacturer, Geely. Many feared that the production site at Ghent in Belgium would close to give way to vehicles "made in China". Fortunately, it is not the case. Not only does Ghent continue to produce, but production has increased and the number of workers has increased.

The ports of Antwerp and Zeebrugge have seen their revenues grow thanks to the increase of maritime traffic with China. Liege Airport has become a favored gateway for many Chinese tourists.

Most of our universities have established links with Chinese universities in research as well as exchanges of students and researchers.

At a time when Donald Trump is putting the United States on an isolationist path, China recalls that it remains more open than ever to the world, as reinforced by its president at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in October. Europeans have everything to gain.

During his visit to China a few weeks ago, French president Emmanuel Macron declared that it is important to build a relationship of trust between China and Europe.

He recalled that in Chinese the word "wisdom" is synonymous with listening. Let's listen to each other, get to know each other better. We will all win.

According to the Chinese calendar, we have entered the Year of the Dog. This animal is traditionally associated with qualities of loyalty, trust and generosity. Let's hope that they inspire us all and push us to stay open to each other.

Bernard Dewit is the President of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Lawyer at the Brussels Bar. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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