WARSAW, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- There are "many possibilities" to expand business cooperation between China and Europe, with new opportunities emerging in technology, industrial exchanges and partnerships among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a Polish business leader has said.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Tomasz Szypula, chariman of the board of PTAK Warsaw Expo, the largest fair and convention center in Central and Eastern Europe, expressed confidence in the prospects for closer China-Europe economic ties.
"This year, we expect more than 2,000 exhibitors from China," he said, adding that the exhibition center expects around 3,500 Chinese exhibitors in 2027.
Covering an area of 500,000 square meters and consisting of six halls, PTAK Warsaw Expo hosts international exhibitions covering industries ranging from manufacturing and industrial technologies to consumer goods and agriculture, bringing together exhibitors and buyers from across Europe.
Szypula said the increasing participation of Chinese companies reflects their growing interest in establishing business connections and exploring opportunities in European markets.
Having visited China several times since 2010, Szypula said he has been deeply impressed by the country's transformation over the past 16 years.
"China has changed so rapidly," he said, recalling his recent trip to China in February this year.
For Szypula, China's industrial and technological progress is opening up new possibilities for international cooperation, particularly in emerging industries.
"You are the leader in AI technology. And this is our future," he said.
He believes that new technologies will play an increasingly important role in China-Europe economic cooperation, creating opportunities for companies to exchange knowledge, technologies and expertise.
At the same time, he sees considerable potential for European businesses to share their own technological capabilities and industrial experience with Chinese partners.
Szypula pointed to the development of Poland's technology sector as an example of the expertise European companies could bring to international cooperation. "I see also big possibility to promote our European and Polish competence on the Chinese market," he said.
Beyond emerging technologies, Szypula identified agriculture, food products and cosmetics as sectors offering further opportunities for business cooperation.
His remarks came as the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) was being held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, bringing together companies from around the world to showcase their products, technologies and services and explore opportunities in the Chinese market.
Szypula said he hoped to see more Polish companies participate in future editions of the CIIE, citing the event as another opportunity to strengthen business connections between the two countries.
While large companies already have extensive international business networks, Szypula believes SMEs could become an important new source of momentum for China-Europe cooperation.
He noted that SMEs account for the overwhelming majority of enterprises in both China and Poland, but smaller businesses often have fewer resources and less experience in establishing international partnerships than large corporations.
"For the smaller companies, we must open the doors and invite them for stronger cooperation," he said.
Szypula sees considerable potential in facilitating more direct exchanges between Chinese and European SMEs, helping them find business partners, share expertise and explore opportunities across different industries.
He said international trade fairs can serve as an important link in this process by bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and buyers, while also supporting broader business matchmaking activities.
PTAK Warsaw Expo plans to organize 180 trade fair events in 2027, covering a wide range of industries. Szypula said the exhibition center is also open to exploring new forms of international business cooperation beyond traditional exhibition services.
Looking ahead, Szypula stressed the importance of stronger business connections and mutual trust in unlocking further opportunities between China and Europe.
"We must build the bridges, not the walls," he said. ■
