Volvo’s Belgian Plant Highlights the Strength of EU-China Cooperation

The Chinese ambassador to
Belgium has praised the “success” of a major automotive plant in
Flanders, calling it a model of what can be accomplished through international cooperation.

Ambassador Fei Shengchao, speaking in
Brussels, emphasized the significance of the Volvo car factory in Ghent, Flanders, as evidence of the added value China brings to EU countries such as Belgium.

The facility, which is owned by a Chinese conglomerate, employs around 7,000 workers—none of whom, the ambassador noted, are Chinese nationals—and stands as the largest employer in the region.

“This clearly illustrates how international cooperation can enhance the competitiveness of a European economy,” he said.

Fei pointed out that Belgium’s car manufacturing sector had experienced a dramatic decline over the years, but the Volvo plant’s achievements offer a compelling case for the benefits of collaboration.

Volvo Car Gent, located in the port city of Ghent, comprises a welding facility, paint shop, final assembly line, and various supporting operations. With an annual output of 186,313 vehicles (as of 2024), it is considered one of Volvo’s key global production centers.

The factory currently manufactures the XC40, EX40, EC40, and V60 models and is set to begin production of the new EX30 model in the second quarter of 2025.

The EX40, Volvo’s first fully electric vehicle, has been assembled in Ghent since late 2020, followed by the EC40 from the second half of 2021. The EX30 will mark the third all-electric model to be produced at the site.

In a statement on the company’s website, Stefan Fesser, CEO of Volvo Car Ghent, said, “Volvo Car Gent is also the first to assemble batteries for the electric Volvo EX40. Our employees have undergone extensive training to work in this brand-new factory and have been involved in this pioneering technology from the start.”

The topic of electric vehicles has sparked tension between the EU and China in recent months. While acknowledging the friction, Ambassador Fei noted “some progress” in ongoing talks aimed at resolving the dispute.

He added that the vehicles produced at the Belgian plant are “state of the art” and serve as proof of how strategic cooperation can significantly boost the competitiveness of both European companies and national economies.

Speaking at a press event at the Brussels Press Club in Schuman, the ambassador addressed broader trade concerns, including the lingering impact of tariffs introduced during the Trump administration.

The seasoned diplomat stated that “no one benefits” from trade wars and urged restraint to prevent further escalation of ongoing trade conflicts.

“Dialogue remains the most effective path forward. Trade wars and tariffs benefit no one,” he said.

Reflecting on the aftermath of
Trump-era tariffs, Fei advocated for stronger political and economic ties between China and the
European Union, arguing that media narratives have often misrepresented the relationship.