Air links between Brussels and multiple Chinese cities have become an important pillar of economic and trade cooperation between China and Belgium, with the Brussels-Chongqing route expected to play an increasingly significant role, officials and industry representatives said on Tuesday.
They made the remarks at an event jointly organized by Hainan Airlines and Chongqing Airport Group to commemorate the 20th anniversary of direct air services opened between China and Belgium.
Speaking at the event, Xie Yajing, counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, said China and Belgium enjoy close economic and trade ties with enormous potential for further cooperation.
She said the long-term and stable operation of the Brussels-China routes has established an efficient air bridge for trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and expressed hope that the 20th anniversary would serve as a new starting point for all parties to further deepen practical cooperation and advance bilateral relations.
Jan Van de Reyd, director of aviation network development at Brussels Airport, reviewed the development of the China-Belgium aviation market over the past two decades, describing the routes as an important aerial link connecting the two countries.
He said Brussels Airport will continue to strengthen its strategic cooperation with China”s aviation industry and ensure the high-quality and sustainable development of the routes.
Yang Jiuzhou, general manager of Hainan Airlines’ Chongqing branch, reflected on the airline’s two decades of engagement in the China-Belgium market, saying Hainan Airlines will continue to enhance air connectivity between the two countries and facilitate economic, tourism and cultural exchanges between China and Europe.
Huang Wei, chairman of Chongqing Airport Group, highlighted the importance of the Brussels-Chongqing route, which was launched in November last year.
Huang noted that the service is currently the only direct passenger route linking Belgium with western China. As a key hub for China’s western opening-up, Chongqing offers significant geographical and transit advantages, he said, inviting Belgian businesses and travelers to use the Brussels-Chongqing route as a gateway to explore opportunities in western China and travel throughout the country.
Among those attending the event were Li Baoquan, minister counselor at the Chinese Mission to the European Union, Gong Yi, director of the China Cultural Center in Brussels, as well as diplomats and representatives from the aviation industry.