China-Germany (China-Europe) Hidden Champions Forum 2025: Bridging Innovation and Industries in Beijing
The China-Germany (China-Europe) Hidden Champions Forum 2025 will take place from May 25 to 27 in Beijing’s Shunyi District, aiming to strengthen cross-border collaboration between China and Europe. The event is jointly organized by the Shunyi District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality and the Senate of Economy Europe, with co-initiators including the International Cooperation Center of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Akademie Deutscher Weltmarktführer (ADWM), and the DEZ German European Centre for SME Cooperation in China.
This year’s edition will see significant enhancements as it seeks to expand its global influence.
The forum expects to host more than 600 participants, including over 200 European delegates from government, leading “hidden champion” SMEs, and research institutions. This marks a doubling of international participation compared to its 2024 debut and highlights Europe’s increasing engagement with China’s innovation ecosystem.
The agenda will follow a “1+5+N” framework, consisting of a main summit on China-European industrial integration and five thematic sessions focusing on industrial chain synergy, cross-learning between Chinese and European SMEs, cross-border investment, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and intelligent connected new energy vehicles. Networking hubs will also be available for deal-making and partnerships, alongside a themed exhibition area designed to promote knowledge exchange.
Organizers have tailored the forum’s content to meet the needs of global SMEs, emphasizing policy transparency and operational insights. Attendees will have access to in-depth discussions on China’s market opening policies and Beijing’s commitment to promoting market access, industrial growth, and technology collaboration. Case studies will be presented by representatives of hidden champions, “Little Giant” SMEs, and multinational corporations addressing how to navigate China’s hybrid business environment. The event will also feature a Business Facilitation Matchmaking Session aimed at easing entry for enterprises into the Beijing market.
According to Fu Baozong of the NDRC’s International Cooperation Center, the forum will move beyond dialogue to establish “a New Paradigm for China-Germany (Europe) Industrial Collaboration.” Key initiatives include creating a platform for addressing challenges in industrial chain cooperation between China and Germany, establishing a financial bond to strengthen value chain synergy, and commemorating the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations. The forum aims to implement leadership consensus on deepening economic and technological cooperation and to promote collaboration between Chinese and German hidden champions through policy coordination, technology matchmaking, and market access partnerships.
The choice of Shunyi District as the host location reflects its strategic role in international business exchanges. Home to over 1,000 foreign enterprises, including Bosch and the Mercedes-Benz R&D Center, Shunyi boasts a €30 billion industrial base focused on intelligent vehicles and aerospace, supported by 119 German-funded companies. The district also offers an internationally oriented living environment, with 11 international schools and 13 international medical institutions.
“Shunyi isn’t just a location — it’s a bridge,” said Simon Frank of the Senate of Economy Europe. “Here, EU startups scale faster, and Chinese innovators access Europe’s niche markets.”
Participants have expressed optimism about the forum’s potential. Beken Planer, Expert Advisor of CGEHC2024, noted that mutual learning among hidden champions could unlock significant cooperation opportunities and drive industrial upgrading in Shunyi. Bernd Wank, representing European hidden champions, highlighted interest in exploring opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and smart connected new energy vehicles.
Berlin TV, a key media partner, will provide coverage of the forum, combining data-driven insights with on-the-ground perspectives from industry leaders.
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