Hunan Province Showcases Investment Opportunities in Germany and Switzerland
The Hunan-Europe Economic Collaboration Conference 2026 marked a pivotal event held in Germany and Switzerland from October 27 to November 1, aiming to promote the investment environment and business opportunities of Hunan Province to European investors. Established in 2023, this annual conference has become a significant platform for economic engagement between Hunan and Europe, successfully attracting various stakeholders.
This initiative underscores Hunan's ambition to become a key hub for reform and openness, broadening its economic ties with European nations. In Germany, the event focused on advanced manufacturing and the automotive industry, where Liu Suyue, Deputy Director of the Hunan Department of Commerce, emphasized in her opening speech the remarkable presence of over 37 leading German companies, including industry giants like BOSCH, Volkswagen, Schaeffler, and BASF, all of which have established operations in Hunan.
Notably, during China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the revenue generated by German-capital companies in Hunan surged by 117%. A highlight of the conference was Hunan's participation in the 10th Sino-German Automotive Congress, which coincided with the economic collaboration meeting. This congress provided Hunan with an invaluable opportunity to connect its automotive sector with international supply chains, reinforcing its status in the global automotive landscape. In 2025, Hunan produced approximately 1.626 million vehicles, solidifying its role as a major production base for automotive manufacturers like BYD, Geely, GAC Aion, and Volkswagen. The province boasts five national-level advanced manufacturing hubs and hosts five companies ranked among the world's top 50 construction machinery manufacturers.
Meanwhile, in Switzerland, the conference launched a business matchmaking event focusing on biomedicine and artificial intelligence, particularly in life sciences, healthcare, and smart technologies. Liu highlighted Hunan’s key advantages as an investment destination, such as cost-effectiveness, consumer base, industrial ecosystem, workforce training, and accessibility. Hunan is committed to providing European businesses with robust industrial supply chains, open investment platforms, and responsive services.
Looking ahead, Hunan aims to enhance its cooperation channels with Europe and expedite the implementation of ongoing projects, thereby strengthening its brand as "Invest in Hunan" in the European markets. The province aspires to be the go-to entry point for European enterprises seeking to penetrate the Chinese market, thereby fostering mutual growth and innovation.
This conference not only reflects Hunan's strategic outreach to international investors but also symbolizes a broader narrative of China’s commitment to being a significant player in the global economic arena, inviting collaboration and shared success across borders. Through such events, Hunan Province continues to elevate its image as an attractive investment hub while facilitating greater economic synergy with Europe.